Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinct characteristics of each option can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a fluid typing motion without any tactile interruption. This cost-effective switch utilizes Gateron’s proprietary mold to create a satisfying, poppy sound profile that appeals to users looking for a straightforward, uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 offers a tactile experience with its sharp and exhilarating bump, providing tactile feedback that some typists find particularly satisfying. The U4 also boasts a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it ideal for a more subdued typing environment while still delivering a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Each switch brings its unique advantages: the Everfree (EF) Cedar is perfect for those prioritizing smoothness and simplicity, while the U4 caters to users seeking tactile feedback and a quieter experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gazzew U4 switches differ significantly in their housing materials, influencing their auditory and tactile experiences. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This property stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the U4’s top housing is made from a proprietary blend often coined as "boba plastic," known for its softer characteristics that contribute to a deeper and richer sound profile. While the polycarbonate of the EF Cedar may be aesthetically appealing with its translucence, potentially enhanced by RGB lighting, the softer Gazzew blend provides a different auditory experience, showcasing the variation in sound qualities driven by housing material selection.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches, we see that the Everfree Cedar utilizes a nylon material, which is recognized for its classic switch housing properties that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a rounder auditory experience. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 also employs a proprietary boba plastic for its bottom housing, which similarly delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Both bottom housings leverage the softness of their respective materials to create a fuller auditory experience, yet the nuances in sound may differ due to their distinct compositions. Thus, while both the U4 and EF Cedar can be characterized by their depth of sound, the differing materials contribute unique qualities that might be perceived differently by users.
When considering the overall sound experience for both switches, it is essential to note how the differing top and bottom housing materials interact. In the case of the EF Cedar, the stiff polycarbonate contributes to the sound released during key release, while the nylon base influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the U4, with its two softer plastic components, leads to a more uniform sound experience characterized by richness and depth. For users looking for similar results in sound frequencies, it is essential to recognize that, even with different materials, both switches can yield satisfying auditory experiences, albeit through different mechanisms. Thus, while contrasts exist in material composition, both the Gateron Everfree Cedar and the Gazzew U4 ultimately deliver pleasing auditory results, catering to varying preferences for sound profiles in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the U4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference implies that the U4 is easier to press down, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, potentially aiding in longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it impossible to compare directly in this regard. The U4, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed. Thus, while the Gateron switch is heavier in terms of actuation, the Gazzew U4 offers a lighter experience in both actuation and the bottom out feel. Users seeking a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback may find better satisfaction with the Gazzew U4 despite its lighter actuation, while those who prefer a heavier overall experience might lean toward the Everfree Cedar, pending the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the same, measuring at 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users will experience a comparable keypress depth when using either switch, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Consequently, whether opting for the smooth linear feel of the EF Cedar or the tactile bump of the U4, users can expect the same travel distance, leading to a consistent performance across both switches.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 is notable for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, which contributes to a lively typing experience. This sound can be enhanced or influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but users can generally expect a smooth audio feedback that is characteristic of linear switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is designed to be whisper quiet, producing a muted sound due to its low-pitched nature. The U4 focuses on minimizing noise, making it ideal for environments where sound sensitivity is a priority. While the Everfree switch engages users with a more pronounced auditory payload, the U4 provides a more subdued experience, allowing for silent typing without sacrificing the tactile feedback.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is recognized for its extremely smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent typing experience that is appreciated by many linear switch enthusiasts. However, the specific details of its tactile feedback remain unspecified. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is defined by its sharp tactile bump, providing a crisp and high feedback intensity that is felt distinctly with each keystroke. The plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation adds a layer of comfort and cushioning, creating a unique typing experience that blends feedback with softness.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gazzew U4 switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Everfree brings a lively auditory experience with its poppy sound, whereas the U4 excels in providing a muted, low-pitched profile perfect for discreet environments. In terms of typing feel, the U4 offers a pronounced tactile reaction with a plush bottom-out, setting it apart from the smoother, less defined experience of the Everfree switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two will hinge on your specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback, while both types still provide reliable performance in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, linear experience with an emphasis on reliability and a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. It caters well to those who prefer a seamless keypress without any tactile bump, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or for typing long documents where you seek fewer interruptions in your flow. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile experience that offers a pronounced bump for feedback, the Gazzew U4 switch is the one for you. With its sharp tactile response and plush bottom-out feel, it’s perfect for typists who appreciate a sense of deliberate engagement with each keystroke. Moreover, its whisper-quiet operation makes it suitable for quiet environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the experience you want to achieve—smoothness and subtlety with the Everfree or tactile feedback and muted sound with the U4.
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