Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly affect your overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch known for its smooth and reliable performance, which makes it an appealing choice for those who favor a seamless typing experience without any tactile interruptions. Additionally, its cost-effectiveness and satisfying, poppy sound profile provide excellent value for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its tactile feedback and refined sound profile, combining the deep "thock" of its bottom-out with the subtle stealth of its topping out. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a luxurious experience, with the sharp tactile bump enhancing the connection to each keystroke. While the Everfree Cedar excels in smoothness and affordability, the G4Tx RGB offers a more tactile feel and distinct acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, one finds a distinct contrast in the properties of their respective top housings. The EF Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of using a keyboard equipped with these switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it highly suitable for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to shine through effectively and create vibrant visuals during use. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material is characterized by its softness, which results in a deeper, richer sound profile that contrasts sharply with the crisper sounds produced by the polycarbonate of the Everfree.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing compositions that can influence the overall keyboard experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar uses a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice in switch design known for its ability to produce a fuller and deeper auditory feedback thanks to its sound-absorbing qualities. Similarly, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing complements the upper material by maintaining a deep and rich sound profile. Both materials are soft, allowing them to perform in a way that focuses on creating a fuller bottom-out sound and a satisfying feel when key presses are made. Therefore, while there are notable contrasts between the top housings, the shared soft characteristics of the bottom housings lead to similarities in sound experience.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials significantly influences the overall acoustic and tactile response that users experience while typing. The polycarbonate top of the EF Cedar will yield a more pronounced sound upon key release, punctuating each action with brightness and clarity. In contrast, the plush nature of the U4Tx RGB's boba plastic top housing may produce a more subdued sound that resonates with the softness of the bottom housing, resulting in an entirely different acoustic experience. Ultimately, if users prioritize a sharper sound, the Everfree (EF) Cedar may be preferable, while those who favor a more muted, richly textured experience may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. Despite these differences, each switch can be fine-tuned to specific preferences by considering not only the individual housing materials but also the unique characteristics they collectively impart on the keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces exhibit some notable differences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a known actuation force of 55 grams, making it a relatively lighter option for those who prefer a softer touch during typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force is unspecified, which leaves an incomplete picture of its performance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force suggests a firmer overall feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a lighter actuation force, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a more robust bottom out experience, appealing to different user preferences in keyboard feel and feedback.

Travel distance

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide similar typing experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing for consistent actuation and feedback in keyboards equipped with either switch. This similarity ensures that users looking for a switch with a specific travel feel can confidently choose between the two without worrying about differences in distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that can be quite attractive to users who appreciate an audible response while typing. This sound quality may offer a lively auditory experience, although it is still generally quieter than most tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch produces a refined sound profile characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out and the quiet stealth of the switch at the top end. This combination creates a luxurious sound environment, making it ideal for those who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience without sacrificing character.

When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a smooth linear action that allows for effortless travel from top to bottom, which is perfect for users who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes. This smoothness gives a consistent experience without any tactile feedback or resistance during the keypress. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB features a sharp tactile bump that offers a noticeable feeling during use. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience, as users can easily identify the actuation point, lending a sense of precision that some typists prefer.

Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is ideal for those who favor a smooth and poppy sound without the need for tactile feedback, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch appeals to users seeking a refined auditory experience along with tactile feedback for precision. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes smoothness and sound or tactile feedback and a deep thock. Regardless of the switch chosen, personal preferences in sound and feel will significantly influence the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or fast typing where rapid key presses are necessary. Its cost-effective nature makes it suitable for those new to mechanical keyboards or looking for a reliable option without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feel with a pronounced bump and the satisfying "thock" sound when bottoming out, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be more to your liking. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate feedback and a luxurious typing experience, making it perfect for long hours of writing or coding where a tactile response can enhance the overall pleasure of typing. In summary, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a smooth, linear action or a tactile, more audible feel, allowing you to select a switch that best suits your unique needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more