Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer two distinct yet compelling options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for gamers and fast typists who enjoy a seamless, interruption-free experience. With its cost-effective pricing and satisfying poppy sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who prioritize performance and affordability. In contrast, the WS Brown offers a tactile experience that combines familiarity with innovation. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance that enhances comfort during prolonged use, making it particularly appealing to typists who appreciate feedback without the loud noise associated with clicking switches. This switch features a delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem. Both switches cater to specific user needs—whether one prefers the smoothness of linear switches or the tactility of tactile ones. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct acoustic profiles. The EF Cedar's use of polycarbonate for the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which resonates clearly and is particularly beneficial for creating an appealing auditory experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Brown employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer qualities of nylon absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which contrasts starkly with the brightness of the EF Cedar’s polycarbonate.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similar benefits in terms of sound quality. In the case of both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and WS Brown, the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, effectively dampening noise and enhancing the acoustic characteristics of the overall switch. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel experienced during key presses will be more aligned between the two switches, despite the contrasting sounds produced by their respective top housings. Thus, while the top housing materials set them apart, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent base profile.
Ultimately, the variations in material between the EF Cedar and WS Brown provide unique auditory experiences but share a common resonance in their bottom housings. If you are seeking a sharper sound with a more vibrant character, the EF Cedar will be favorable due to its polycarbonate top. However, if you prefer a warmer, more rounded auditory experience, the WS Brown with its nylon top may appeal more to your tastes. The different materials lead to a complex interplay of sound characteristics, demonstrating that even with identical bottom housings, the overall switch experience can differ significantly based on the choice of top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EF Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for this switch is currently unknown. In contrast, the WS Brown has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. With the known weight, the EF Cedar can be considered the heavier option due to its 55-gram actuation force, making it preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The WS Brown, while its actuation force remains a mystery, may potentially feel lighter depending on its specific characteristics. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the WS Brown may be more suitable, although its exact actuation force must be clarified for a full understanding.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm. This distinction makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter travel option, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, the WS Brown, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel, providing a tactile feedback that some find satisfying for typing or gaming. If you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Everfree Cedar’s shorter travel would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial depth would favor the WS Brown.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which adds a pleasant auditory dimension to typing. Its noise level is generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is preferred. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provides a familiar yet delightful auditory experience, characterized by a subtle tactile bump without being overly loud. Both switches, while differing in their sound characteristics, can still deliver a satisfying typing acoustics, especially when employed with the right keyboard and keycap combinations, as sound is influenced by other elements of the setup.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar excels with its smooth, linear action, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile feedback. This smoothness promotes fast typing and can be particularly appealing for gamers or those who prefer a fluid experience. In contrast, the WS Brown offers a well-balanced tactile experience with its medium-light actuation force, providing users with satisfying feedback without being overly resistive. This tactile bump enhances the typing experience by offering a discernible indication of actuation, which can reduce typing errors and improve overall comfort during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the WS Brown possess unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cedar's smooth linear action and poppy sound appeal to those who enjoy a seamless typing experience, while the WS Brown's tactile feedback and gentle auditory tone offer a classic feeling that many enthusiasts appreciate. Your choice between these two will largely depend on your typing and gaming style; however, both switches are designed to elevate your keyboard experience in their own ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing, the EF Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for extended sessions where hi-speed performance is a must, while its satisfying, poppy sound profile adds a bit of acoustic enjoyment to your experience. On the other hand, if you value a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, particularly for writing or programming, the WS Brown may better serve you. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring that you can type for long periods without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, the familiar auditory and tactile feedback of the WS Brown provides a gratifying user experience that enthusiasts often appreciate. Ultimately, consider what aspects—smoothness versus tactility—matter most to you in your daily keyboard usage to make the right decision.
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