Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a cost-effective option for those who prefer a snappy yet polished feel with a satisfying poppy sound. Linear switches like the EF Cedar are ideal for gamers and typists who desire a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T stands out as a tactile switch that delivers a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility. With its bassy sound profile and assertive feedback, the U4T caters to users who enjoy auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keypress, making it particularly appealing for typists looking for a more pronounced keystroke experience. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and cost-effectiveness for the EF Cedar, versus tactile feedback and auditory pleasure for the U4T—understanding their distinct characteristics is essential for making an informed choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gazzew U4T switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound when a key is depressed. This clarity is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. Conversely, the U4T’s proprietary "boba plastic" blend as its top housing contributes to a richer and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature. While both top housings serve important functions, they cater to different preferences: polycarbonate offers a crisp sound for users seeking precision, whereas the Gazzew blend promotes a warmer auditory experience.

When examining the bottom housing of each switch, similarities emerge that further unify their sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. In contrast, the U4T's bottom housing also utilizes the Gazzew blend, contributing to a similarly rich sound profile. As both bottom housings prioritize soft materials, typists using either switch can expect a comparable bottom-out sensation and auditory experience when pressing keys.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in these switches creates distinct yet complementary profiles. While the Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate top housing will generate a crisp sound when key releases occur, the soft nylon bottom housing ensures a muted yet full sound upon pressing the keys. On the other hand, the U4T's boba plastic top enhances a deep sound while the same blend in the bottom enables a cohesive auditory experience. Regardless of the material differences, both switch designs deliver an engaging typing experience, with the overall feel and acoustic character shaped by the harmony of their distinct housing components. Users can expect to achieve similar results with regards to a satisfying auditory response, albeit with nuanced variations in sound quality and character.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we see distinct differences. The Everfree Cedar has a known actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, which may be appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it behaves at the bottom of the keystroke. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T has an unknown actuation force but possesses a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force suggests a more substantial feel when fully pressing the switch, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Everfree Cedar appears to be the lighter option regarding actuation force, while the Gazzew U4T provides a heavier bottom out feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the U4T measures 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses—an aspect that is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the U4T's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional feel, offering a heartier depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that enables faster response times, the Everfree Cedar would be the better option, whereas the U4T might be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper travel distance in their keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is notably different from the Gazzew U4T switch. The U4T is characterized by a bassy and thocky sound, delivering a deeper and richer auditory experience defined by lower frequencies. The combination of these attributes results in a distinct auditory feedback: while the Everfree Cedar provides a brighter and crisper sound, the U4T’s "thock" creates a more solid and muted acoustic footprint. Choosing between the two would boil down to personal preference; if you desire a lively and brighter sound, you may lean toward the Everfree Cedar, whereas if you're seeking a deeper and more resonant auditory feedback, the U4T excels in that aspect.

Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar impresses with a snappy and polished typing experience. The snappy response, enhanced by longer or dual-staged springs, contributes to a lively interaction with each keypress, while the polished finish ensures that the switches glide smoothly, minimizing friction during use. This translates to a typing experience that feels refined and responsive. In contrast, while the tactile feedback characteristics of the U4T switch are not provided, the U4T is known for delivering an assertive tactile experience, appealing to users who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump that signifies key actuation. In this regard, the Everfree Cedar stands out for its smoothness and quick responsiveness, while the U4T may cater to those who value clear tactile distinction, though specifics on that tactile feel are not available.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gazzew U4T offer unique qualities that can appeal to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar is ideal for those who appreciate a snappy, smooth, and poppy sound with a polished feel, while the U4T caters to enthusiasts looking for a thocky, bassy auditory profile combined with tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether one prioritizes a lively sound or a deeper, more resonant keystroke feeling, noting that other factors, such as the type of keyboard build and keycaps used, will also influence the experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a smooth, reliable typing experience with an emphasis on snappy responsiveness and a polished feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar would suit you well. Its lighter actuation force allows for swift key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick, uninterrupted action. Additionally, its poppy sound profile is perfect if you appreciate a joyful auditory experience without the added complications of tactility. On the other hand, if you enjoy the deeper auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction that comes with each keystroke, the Gazzew U4T should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and bassy, thocky sound create a rich, engaging typing environment, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a smooth linear experience or the satisfying thock of a tactile switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more