Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preferences in feel and sound. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out as an offering from Gateron’s sub-brand, celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective option for users seeking a satisfying yet poppy sound profile. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue enriches the typing experience with a deep and thocky sound, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring that delivers a bouncy feel on each keystroke. While both switches are linear, the Tourmaline Blues are recognized for their buttery ease of press and mild, neutral characteristics, making them highly accessible to a wide range of users. Each switch caters to different typing preferences: the Everfree Cedar for those who prioritize a smooth and dependable experience, while the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users looking for a more pronounced acoustic enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, one notable similarity is their top housings, both made from polycarbonate. This common material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows for clear and resonant acoustics, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who favor pronounced sound characteristics in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches when backlighting is employed.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, with the Everfree (EF) Cedar featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Tourmaline Blue reflects similar properties to its top housing, contributing to a sharper sound profile. This differentiation means that while the Everfree Cedar produces a more varied sound experience due to the softer nylon bottom, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a consistent crispness throughout.
The distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings affect the overall acoustic impression of each switch. For the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom means that users may experience a rich and full sound when bottoming out, while still benefiting from the crisper sound during release. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will deliver a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing experience, maintaining clarity and enhancing the key release sound. Ultimately, the tactile experience differs as well, highlighting how the housing materials significantly influence the auditory and tactile feedback provided, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the lighter option, which is beneficial for those who prefer a less burdensome typing experience for extended periods, such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The absence of a specific bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar means we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. However, one could infer that the overall feeling may be similar due to the comparable actuation thresholds. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter, more comfortable typing experience may lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel might find the Tourmaline Blue more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there's a notable difference. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tourmaline Blue measures 4 mm, offering a more traditional and longer travel distance. This distinction means that gamers preferring quicker response times might find the Gateron Everfree Cedar more appealing, while those looking for a more substantial keystroke may favor the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for either the snappier feel of a shorter travel distance or the deeper, more deliberate action provided by the longer switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by its satisfying and poppy tone, which provides a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is noted for its deep and thocky sound profile, creating a more immersive and rich auditory experience. While both switches deliver enjoyable sound characteristics, the Everfree Cedar leans towards a brighter tone, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a heavier and more resonant sound. The sound experience can also vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, which is something to consider when evaluating either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, which enhances the overall typing experience. However, specific details about its tactile feedback and resistance force are not provided. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch delivers a notably buttery and easy-to-press experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes with minimal resistance. This contributes to comfort during long typing sessions and reduces finger fatigue. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue make it approachable for a broad range of users, unlike the more generalized feel of the Everfree Cedar, about which there is less detailed information available.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar excites with its poppy sound and smooth action, while the Tourmaline Blue impresses with its deep sound and buttery feel. Ultimately, you'll find that both switches contribute to a satisfying typing experience, though they do so in unique ways. Users can expect similar overall satisfaction with each switch despite their differing sound and feel profiles, reinforcing the idea that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and lightweight feel, combined with a satisfying sound, the Everfree Cedar could be an ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a more cost-effective option. Its reliable performance and satisfying poppy sound profile make it suitable for both casual and lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bouncy feel with a richer, thocky sound that enhances your overall typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switches would serve you well. Their medium-heavy bottom out force and buttery keystroke sensation are particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more tactile experience without overwhelming resistance. Whether you are a beginner seeking ease of use or a seasoned typist looking for depth in sound and feel, both switches bring unique advantages to the table, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to fit your specific needs.
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