Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to customizing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference, and two popular options from Gateron stand out: the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Type A, both linear switches but distinct in their characteristics. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its snappy and polished feel, delivering smooth and reliable performance at an affordable price, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a satisfying, poppy sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Type A emerges from Sillyworks' innovative "Project Rehash" series, offering a medium-weight experience with a deeper sound signature and advanced factory lubing techniques that enhance its neutral yet subdued tactile response. Both switches have their unique merits: the Cedar for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and the Type A for those who prefer a more muted and refined feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Type A switches utilize distinctive top housing materials that contribute differently to their overall sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. This quality not only enhances the switch's responsiveness but also makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Type A employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound, yielding a deeper and more resonant typing experience. The contrasting materials thus provide distinctly different auditory feedback, appealing to various user preferences in acoustic texture and profile.
While the top housing materials differ between the two switches, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Type A feature nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is revered in the mechanical keyboard community for its durability and sound-dampening capabilities. In both switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller, rounder sound profile, particularly influencing the bottom-out feel when a key is pressed. This consistency in bottom housing material suggests that regardless of the overall sound differences introduced by the top housings, users can expect a similar sensation and acoustic quality during key presses since the nylon bottom's properties remain unchanged.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches results in distinct yet complementary sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar resonates with its bright, crisp characteristics from the polycarbonate top housing while benefiting from the fuller undertones provided by the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Type A's nylon top diminishes some high frequencies, creating a warmer and more subdued typing experience that balances well with its nylon bottom. Users opting for one switch over the other can expect varied auditory experiences due to the top materials, yet both retain a familiar depth and consistency thanks to their shared nylon bottom housings, bridging user expectations across the broader spectrum of mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, we see notable differences in actuation force. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Type A is lighter at 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may find the Type A more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unknown, whereas the Type A has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that if the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force were similar, typists might experience a less pronounced tactile response compared to the Type A's medium-light feel, which could be more satisfying for those who enjoy a stronger push when hitting the keys. Overall, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Type A is the better choice due to its defined actuation and bottom out forces, while the Everfree Cedar offers a heavier actuation force without further information on its bottom out capabilities.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter of the two switches, offering a snappier and potentially more responsive feel that could appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Type A, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial push that some users might find more satisfying or suitable for typing, giving a sense of depth with each keystroke. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that allows for faster response times without feeling too abrupt, the Gateron Everfree Cedar would be the better choice. However, if you favor that hearty depth with a traditional feel, the Gateron Type A would likely suit you better.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can add an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This switch benefits from Gateron’s proprietary mold, delivering a unique sound that emphasizes a certain liveliness. In contrast, the Gateron Type A offers a more subdued and neutral sound signature. It is characterized as having a deeper tone, which may be more restrained compared to the Everfree switches. While the Everfree switch brings a pronounced auditory feedback, the Type A switch provides a smoother sound that can be perceived as less intrusive, making it appropriate for both casual and workplace settings.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch shines with its snappy responsiveness and polished finish. The snappy nature of these switches often results in a more engaging typing experience due to the longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the tactile feedback. The polished quality implies that these switches have a refined finish, contributing to smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the Gateron Type A lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feel, leaving its characteristics more ambiguous. Therefore, while the EF Cedar offers clear benefits in the feel department, the Type A’s tactile sensation remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Type A linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. Users can expect a lively and polished experience with the Everfree switch, marked by its snappy feedback and pronounced sound. The Type A, while less defined in terms of feel, offers a deeper and more subdued auditory experience, potentially appealing to those seeking a quieter typing environment. If you're deciding between the two, consider whether you prioritize an engaging sound and tactile feedback, or a more neutral and subtle typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch hinges on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a switch that offers a snappy response and requires minimal actuation force, the Everfree Cedar might be your best bet, especially if you appreciate a smooth and polished typing experience. Its poppy sound profile can add a delightful auditory element, making it suitable for casual typing, gaming, or any scenario where quick responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and subdued sound, the Type A will likely serve you well. Its neutral sound profile is versatile, making it suitable for both professional and personal settings, while its innovative design with advanced lubing techniques enhances durability and overall performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the environments in which you'll use your keyboard, and your personal sound preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is as enjoyable as possible.
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