Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct experiences tailored to varying user preferences. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a great choice for those who seek a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions. It boasts a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it not only cost-effective but also an appealing option for both gamers and typists who enjoy a snappy feel. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more immersive typing experience, featuring a pronounced 70g tactile bump that delivers a rich, engaging feedback on each keypress. With a captivating "thocky" sound emanating from its nylon housing, it captures the attention of those who appreciate a bouncier, more tactile typing experience. While the Everfree Cedar excels in smoothness and quiet operation, the WS Heavy Tactile is designed for users who thrive on dynamic feedback and sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches, a significant difference stands out in their top housing materials. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the transparency allows for impressive illumination effects. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a fuller and deeper sound profile due to nylon’s softer nature. This variation affects not only the overall sound characteristics but also the aesthetic appearance of each switch, with the polycarbonate offering a translucent visual appeal as opposed to the more opaque nature of nylon.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it’s noteworthy that they both use nylon material. This shared characteristic means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will deliver a deep and rich auditory experience. Given that nylon is a classic material in switch design, its ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted experience when the key is bottomed out, resulting in a rounder sound profile for both switches. Although the Everfree Cedar's bottom housing shares the same nylon attributes as the WS Heavy Tactile, the overall auditory impact of the switches will differ due to their contrasting top housing materials.
The combination of different top housings along with identical bottom housings illustrates how the properties of each material interplay to provide a unique typing experience. While the nylon bottom contributes a consistent foundation for both switches, the distinctive polycarbonate top on the EF Cedar will introduce a higher-pitched resonance during release, making it sound noticeably different from the more subdued tones of the WS Heavy Tactile. Therefore, even though both switches share similar deep and full sound profiles at the bottom due to their nylon construction, the overall auditory and tactile experiences vary. Users can anticipate a more vibrant and clearer response with the Everfree Cedar while enjoying the warmth and richness of sound that the WS Heavy Tactile offers, culminating in a diverse array of sensory outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, making it the heavier option compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This distinction is significant for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the heavier actuation force of the Everfree switch may appeal to users seeking tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the EF Cedar is unknown, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch that could provide a more tactile feel when fully pressed down. For users aiming for longer typing sessions or gameplay, the lighter actuation of the WS Heavy Tactile could result in less fatigue over time, making it a potentially better choice for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for tactile feedback and force sensitivity, with the Everfree catering to those who enjoy a sturdier press, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a balance of comfort and feedback with its lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile a better choice for those who favor quicker response times, as its shorter travel can facilitate faster key presses, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, providing a sense of depth that some find essential for typing comfort. In summary, while both switches serve different preferences, the Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out with its longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch delivers a satisfying and poppy sound profile, characterized by a level of crispness and brightness. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile operates with a captivating "thocky" sound, which is percussive and rich, providing a clacky and high-pitched auditory quality. While both switches can produce engaging sound profiles, the Everfree's description leans more towards a lighter and punchier sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile reflects a deeper and fuller auditory signature. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound perception is influenced by various factors including the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its snappy and polished characteristics. These switches offer a refined typing experience with reduced friction, thanks to high-quality materials or factory lubing. This results in a smooth key travel that feels pleasant during use. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is designed to deliver a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump that is invitingly accented. The feel can be described as bouncy, invigorating, and sharp, providing a significant tactile feedback that is distinct with each keystroke. While both switches feature the snappy responsiveness that makes typing enjoyable, the WS Heavy Tactile stands out with its more robust tactile feedback, creating a more immersive typing sensation compared to the smoother feel of the Everfree.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches present different auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Everfree delivers a poppy sound and a polished typing feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a lighter touch. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a deeper, thocky sound paired with a more prominent tactile feedback, perfect for users seeking a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both stand as quality options in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard. If you value a smooth and polished typing experience that feels snappy and responsive, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent fit. Its design allows for a more relaxed, linear feel without a tactile bump, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prioritize speed and smoothness over tactile feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more engaging, tactile experience with noticeable feedback on each keystroke, the WS Heavy Tactile will serve you better. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced bump, it provides a satisfying, bouncy, and invigorating feel that many typists find motivating, along with a captivating "thocky" sound profile that adds to the overall enjoyment of typing. In the end, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what aspects of tactile sensation and sound resonance will make your typing experience the most enjoyable.
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