Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it is essential to consider both performance and personal preference, especially when comparing options like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, both of which are linear switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out as a cost-effective choice from Gateron’s sub-brand, providing smooth and reliable performance coupled with a poppy sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS Morandi combines innovation with aesthetics, featuring a light column design that significantly enhances RGB visuals. Its unique UPE stem contributes to an airy, silky smoothness and a muted sound profile that appeals to users looking for a quieter experience. While the Everfree switches offer a satisfying and engaging sound, the Morandi brings a refined visual and tactile experience, making it a compelling option for those who value both design and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly suits your needs.
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
3.50 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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic allows for clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the WS Morandi employs a polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, delivering a deeper and more muted sound profile. The muted nature of POM contributes to a unique auditory experience that diverges from the clarity of polycarbonate, catering to users who prefer a softer, less intrusive keystroke sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Everfree Cedar and the WS Morandi utilize materials that lean towards a fuller, deeper sound profile. The Everfree Cedar's nylon bottom housing is celebrated for its classic properties, producing a deeper and rounder sound that absorbs sound waves, resulting in a more muted and pleasant typing experience. Similarly, the WS Morandi employs a POM bottom housing, which also yields a unique and pleasing sound that aligns with the deeper and more muted sound profile associated with POM. Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience due to their complementary bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Gateron Everfree Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ significantly—with polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance and POM delivering a deeper, muted sound—their sound profiles can harmonize through their bottom housings. The combination of the nylon bottom housing in the Everfree Cedar and the POM bottom housing in the WS Morandi helps create a fuller auditory experience, with each design focusing on enhancing distinct aspects of sound. As a result, users can expect a nuanced typing experience informed by the different qualities, but in some respects, these switches may yield similar results in terms of overall auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Morandi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Morandi switch may offer a less strenuous typing experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unspecified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in that regard. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully pressed down. Ultimately, with the Everfree Cedar lacking a bottom out measurement, one might still assume a similar bottoming experience as the Morandi if it had a comparable nature; nonetheless, with the available data, it is clear that the Morandi is the lighter option, while the heavier sensation may be attributed to switches with higher bottom out forces, such as the WS Morandi compared to an unspecified Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the Everfree measuring 3.6 mm and the Morandi at 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the recent trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times, the Everfree offers a marginally longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper keypress experience. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Morandi may be the better choice, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Everfree switch. Overall, while the difference is minimal, it highlights the delicate balance between speed and tactile feedback in keyboard switch preferences.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is characteristic of a more traditional linear switch. It likely provides a decently prominent sound when actuated, making for a fulfilling auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi produces a low-pitched and subdued sound, which tends toward a deeper, thocky resonance. This creates a more mellow typing experience that is both subtle and satisfying, ideal for users who prefer quieter operation without sacrificing auditory feedback. It's worth noting that the acoustic qualities of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard build and chosen keycaps, so the resulting sound may vary accordingly.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch's tactile feedback is likely smooth and consistent, but specific descriptors are unavailable. Conversely, the WS Morandi switches excel in providing a particularly luxurious typing sensation, characterized by a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. This suggests a keystroke experience that is remarkably smooth, with minimal resistance, almost making users feel as though they are gliding over the keys with ease. This marked difference in the typed sensation may appeal to different user preferences regarding comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches manifest different sound profiles and tactile experiences, they cater to distinct types of users. The Everfree is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional and lively auditory response, while the WS Morandi appeals to those seeking a smooth and muted typing experience. Users can expect satisfying performance from both switches, though the overall experience will differ significantly due to their unique acoustic and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a cost-effective option that delivers smooth and reliable performance, along with a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lightweight feel makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, where quick key presses are essential. However, if you seek a more refined typing experience with enhanced aesthetics and RGB lighting, the WS Morandi switches would be ideal. Their medium bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, while the unique airy smoothness and subdued, thocky sound profile add an element of luxury to your setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you balance performance, sound, and aesthetics in your keyboard experience, ensuring it aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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