Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Everfree Cedar, a cost-effective option from Gateron’s sub-brand, is renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, featuring a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming noise. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a balance between performance and price. On the other hand, the WS Jade elevates the tactile experience with a unique metallic insert in its stem base, resulting in a bright, resonant sound profile complemented by a creamy and smooth typing feel. The inclusion of a light diffuser also adds a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup, which is perfect for those who love custom RGB lighting. With both switches highlighting different strengths—affordability and reliability with the Everfree Cedar versus the sensory richness of the WS Jade—each has its unique appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Jade, we see a significant difference in their top housings, which shapes their respective sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a crisper sound. In contrast, the WS Jade utilizes POM for its top housing. POM, while also achieving a unique and pleasing sound, leans toward a deeper and more muted tone. Whereas the Everfree's polycarbonate accentuates higher frequencies, the WS Jade's POM offers a more subdued auditory response, showcasing the contrast in how these materials influence the overall sound profile despite both aiming for quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and WS Jade share similarities as they utilize nylon and POM, respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Everfree provides a deeper and fuller sound, characterized by its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which also produces a deeper and muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to a muted auditory experience, the nylon in the Everfree may provide slightly more depth due to its inherent sound-absorbing qualities. This aspect highlights that despite varying materials, both switches can fulfill similar auditory requirements through differing approaches to sound absorption and resonance.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of housing materials used in the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Jade influences their performance, offering users varying sound characteristics and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Everfree enhances clarity, while the deeper, muted tone from the POM top in the WS Jade draws a different type of user experience. The bottom housings further separate their profiles, emphasizing fuller sounds versus deeper tones. Despite these differences, users can still achieve satisfying typing experiences; they may simply cater to different preferences and auditory styles depending on whether they prioritize clarity and sharpness or depth and muting in their switch sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, some distinct differences emerge. The EF Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the WS Jade, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may find the WS Jade more comfortable. However, the EF Cedar's bottom out force is unavailable, while the WS Jade has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates a firmer end feel when fully depressed. Since the bottom out force for the Cedar isn't provided, we can't make a direct comparison there, but it implies that the experience might differ significantly. Users looking for a more profound tactile feedback may appreciate the heavier feeling of the WS Jade. In summary, the WS Jade is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, whereas the EF Cedar's bottom out force remains an unknown variable, potentially leading to different user experiences in typing and gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This identical travel distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and responsiveness when pressing down on a key with either switch. Consequently, both switches would provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel, allowing for a seamless transition for users switching between the two.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is enjoyable yet understated. This means that while it may not be overly loud, it provides a pleasant auditory feedback that makes typing feel engaging. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offers a more complex auditory experience, characterized by a bright metallic and resonant sound profile. This makes the WS Jade’s sound more pronounced, with descriptors like clacky, marbly, and resonant, leading to a crisp and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more subtle sound, the Everfree might be the way to go, while the WS Jade will appeal to those who enjoy auditory richness and texture.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar lacks specific descriptors for its typing experience, but the WS Jade is celebrated for its silky and creamy qualities. The silky feel enhances the typing experience by minimizing resistance, while the creamy texture offers a buttery sensation that makes each keystroke feel effortless and smooth. With the WS Jade, it feels like your fingers glide over the keys, contributing to an overall pleasurable typing experience. The lack of detailed feedback on the Everfree's feel makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison, but it's likely that both switches cater to a smooth typing experience, albeit with differing nuances.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a satisfying yet subtle auditory experience, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade excels in producing an engaging, resonant sound profile. On the tactile front, while the Everfree's qualities remain unspecified, the WS Jade stands out for its silky and creamy feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. Both switches present compelling options depending on your sound and tactile preferences; if you're looking for a balance of smooth sound with satisfactory feedback, you may find the Everfree appealing, while the WS Jade is perfect for those who seek a more dynamic and luxurious typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a smooth and reliable typing experience without concerns about bottom-out force and find yourself seeking a more cost-effective option, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its satisfying but subtle sound profile offers a more understated auditory experience, making it well-suited for environments where noise may be a consideration. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback combined with a bright, resonant sound, the WS Jade would be your ideal pick. With its creamy and silky feel, enhanced by the unique metallic insert that provides a clacky and marbly sound, the WS Jade excels in both aesthetics and performance, making it a fantastic option if you enjoy a vibrant typing experience that beautifully showcases RGB lighting. In essence, assess your priorities carefully—whether you prefer a more subdued, reliable feel or a fanciful auditory experience when making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
