Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock White Lotus. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. This cost-effective option from Gateron’s sub-brand offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, perfect for gamers or typists looking for a snappy experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers a light tactile feel, designed with the discerning typist in mind. This switch provides a delicate tactility that enhances productivity during extended typing sessions while ensuring a non-intrusive experience. Moreover, its removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a stunning visual element to any keyboard setup. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you prefer the linear smoothness of the Everfree Cedar or the tactile feedback of the White Lotus. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock White Lotus, a notable difference is found in their top housing components. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly effective in setups that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE in its top housing, which aims to provide a unique and premium feel. While both switches utilize polycarbonate, the added UPE in the White Lotus potentially alters the overall acoustic experience, suggesting a more nuanced sound profile compared to the succinct clarity of the Everfree Cedar.
Contrasting the bottom housing of these switches reveals a more direct similarity. Both the Everfree Cedar and the White Lotus employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. Nylon excels in sound absorption, leading to a rounder, duller acoustic when typing, which is beneficial for a smoother auditory experience. As both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, they are likely to produce comparable effects concerning the sound and feel when each key bottoms out, resulting in a rich tactile sensation favored by many users.
Overall, the interplay between the different housing materials in these switches is essential for understanding the final sound profile and typing experience. The Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate top housing offers a clear, bright resonance ideal for RGB setups, while the White Lotus’s modified blend introduces a degree of uniqueness, albeit still rooted in polycarbonate. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches ensures that users will enjoy a full-bodied sound upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housing materials may yield distinct characteristics, the common nylon bottom housing allows for similar auditory results when pressing each switch down, emphasizing that the combination of materials ultimately defines the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see clear distinctions in their actuation forces, but the bottom out force of the Everfree switch remains unknown. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it feel relatively heavier compared to the White Lotus, which has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might find the White Lotus more comfortable. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the heavier feel of the Everfree Cedar. In terms of bottom out force, the White Lotus has a defined measurement of 56 grams, providing a consistent resistance when pressed down completely. Since the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unknown, we cannot draw a direct comparison there; however, if it turns out to be similar to that of the White Lotus, users may find comparable results when bottoming out. Overall, for those who prioritize a lighter touch, the White Lotus is the better option, whereas the Everfree Cedar suits preferences for a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the distinctions are clear. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Everfree switch offers a slightly shorter actuation point, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize rapid response times. On the other hand, the White Lotus, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a fuller, more deliberate keystroke. Thus, if you prefer a quicker responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, you might lean towards the Everfree switch, while those who favor a more pronounced key press may find the White Lotus more to their liking.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that can be quite engaging during use. This lower-pitched feedback provides a more dynamic auditory experience, particularly appealing for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch features a low-pitched and neutral sound quality, emphasizing a mellow tone that is universally acceptable for various typing environments. This makes it suitable for both casual and professional settings, where noise might be a consideration. While the Everfree Cedar leans towards a lively sound, the White Lotus opts for a more subdued and balanced audio experience, making both switches distinct yet aligned in their respective suitability for different users.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is characterized by its snappy and polished action, offering a responsive typing experience that many typists find invigorating. The quality of the switch ensures smooth key travel, thanks to either the construction materials or lube application, which minimizes friction. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch provides an easy-to-press feel that emphasizes effortless activation with minimal resistance, making it remarkably comfortable for long typing sessions. This gentle touch combined with its mild characteristics creates an approachable typing experience, making it attractive for those who might be new to mechanical keyboards. Despite their differing feedback mechanisms, both switches provide a satisfying typing sensation, though they cater to slightly different preferences in responsiveness and tactile feedback.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock White Lotus switches depends largely on your personal sound and feel preferences. The Everfree Cedar offers a poppy sound with a snappy response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of liveliness in their typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus is characterized by its low-pitched sound and comfortable, mild feel, suitable for extended use without discomfort. Ultimately, both switches can provide great experiences, but your choice will depend on whether you gravitate more towards an energetic or a gentle typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize speed and smoothness in your typing experience, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. With its snappy and polished feel, it allows for rapid keystrokes that can enhance your gaming performance or fast-paced writing tasks. Furthermore, if you're looking for an economical way to enjoy a satisfying typing sound profile without overwhelming tactile feedback, the Cedar will serve your needs well. On the other hand, if your focus is on comfort during long hours of typing or you appreciate a tactile bump without a harsh response, the White Lotus offers a gentle, easy-to-press experience that reduces finger fatigue. Its mild yet engaging tactility strikes a perfect balance for productive work sessions, complemented by the attractive RGB effects that add flair to your keyboard setup. Thus, assess your typing style, whether you lean towards the smoothness of linear switches or the delicateness of tactile ones, to make an informed choice that will elevate your keyboard experience.
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