Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options from Gateron stand out: the Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, and the Weightlessness, a tactile switch. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter experience with minimal resistance. Its poppy sound profile adds a delightful auditory element while remaining cost-effective, making it accessible for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch combines a subtle to moderate tactile feel with a balanced sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of feedback in their typing experience without being overly intrusive. This makes the Weightlessness a great option for typists seeking a more engaging feel while maintaining a comfortable level of noise. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Weightlessness, the distinctions in their top housing materials create a marked contrast in their sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties allow for a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing that imparts a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon’s softer nature results in a sound profile that absorbs more noise, yielding a duller and rounder tone. As such, while the polycarbonate top of the EF Cedar heightens clarity, the nylon top of the Weightlessness fosters a rich, enveloping sound.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which establishes a family resemblance in the auditory experience they offer. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a rounder and deeper sound profile, helping to absorb sound rather than amplify it. As they share this nylon material, users may find that the bottom-out feel and resultant sound of the two switches feel similar when pressed down, producing a harmonious vibe even when the top housings differ. This characteristic allows for a consistent tactile experience regardless of the top housing material, reinforcing the idea that the bottom housing's properties largely influence the overall feel during operation.
The implications of the differences in top housing materials become particularly significant during the typing experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and brightness as users release each key, whereas the Weightlessness’s nylon top softens the sound released, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference: whether one favors the crisper tones of polycarbonate or the deeper sounds of nylon. However, since both switches utilize the same nylon for the bottom housing, they share a foundational acoustic quality that preserves some common ground, making it possible for users to transition between the two without losing entirely different feel and sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Weightlessness switch, indicating that the Everfree requires a bit more pressure to register a keystroke. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for prolonged use during work or gaming, the Weightlessness is the better choice. In contrast, the Everfree's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more robust typing feel. As for the bottom out forces, both switches have this information unavailable; therefore, we cannot compare that aspect. However, since their actuation forces differ, switching between them will provide distinct typing experiences, catering to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find a distinction between the two. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth when pressing down, the Everfree Cedar would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if you favor a more responsive feel during gameplay or fast typing, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, could provide a quicker actuation. In essence, opting for the shorter Weightlessness switch could lead to faster response times, whereas the longer travel of the Everfree Cedar may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, providing a subtle to moderate auditory feedback when pressed. While both switches can create enjoyable sounds, the Everfree Cedar leans more toward a pronounced auditory experience, while the Weightlessness offers a more muted yet pleasing sound that aligns with its tactile nature. It's important to remember that the final sound will be influenced by the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps, so variations may occur based on personal setups.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a smooth and linear typing experience, characterized by an uninterrupted keystroke that users often find responsive and unencumbered. In contrast, the Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile bump, which enhances the typing experience by giving users feedback on their keystrokes without being overly pronounced. Those who prefer a more direct, consistent feel will likely favor the linear nature of the Everfree Cedar, while those who enjoy nuanced feedback may gravitate toward the tactile Weightlessness.
Taking all of this information into account, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is ideal for users seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a poppy sound, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch caters to those who appreciate moderate tactile feedback paired with a balanced auditory presence. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a smooth action or a tactile switch that provides more response during typing. Both can deliver satisfying results in their respective categories, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch should depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer a smooth and linear feel for gaming and fast-paced typing without any tactile bump, the Everfree Cedar would be your go-to option. It provides reliable performance with a satisfying sound profile that's enjoyable for those who appreciate a more uninterrupted key press. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile response—one that gives you feedback with each keystroke—you should opt for the Weightlessness switch. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel not only enhances your typing accuracy but also adds a distinct character to the overall sound profile. Therefore, assess your needs: go for the Everfree Cedar for smooth performance in gaming or when speed typing, or choose the Weightlessness for a balanced tactile experience that makes day-to-day typing more engaging. Ultimately, your preference will lead you to the switch that best matches your ideal mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
