Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches for your needs, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences among users. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience while remaining cost-effective. This switch is categorized as snappy and polished, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a responsive feel without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the WS Pearl impresses with its unique ball-bearing design that significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The WS Pearl is classified as silky and creamy, accompanying a medium-high pitched sound signature that many typists find appealing. While both switches fall under the linear category and prioritize a seamless keystroke, their individual characteristics cater to different tactile sensations and auditory preferences. 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
58g
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
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the most notable difference is found in their top housing materials. The Everfree Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate clarity, especially when RGB lighting is involved. Conversely, the WS Pearl employs nylon as its top housing material. Nylon is known for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound signature. This distinction in top housing materials influences the auditory experience produced by each switch during use, with the polycarbonate providing a more resonant tone, while the nylon produces a warmer and fuller sound.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a similarity, as both the Everfree Cedar and the WS Pearl utilize nylon. Both switches benefit from nylon's sound-dampening qualities in their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed. This commonality suggests that when a user bottoms out a key on either switch, they will experience a pronounced roundness to the sound and feel. Given that the bottom housing influences more on the bottom-out sound, users can expect a comparable auditory experience from each switch in this aspect, despite differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches creates a unique auditory profile that is shaped by their design choices. The contrasting top housing materials of the Everfree Cedar and WS Pearl yield distinct sound characteristics, with the more resonant tone of polycarbonate complementing the rich, absorbent properties of nylon in the bottom housing for Gateron. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the WS Pearl contributes to a more mellow sound profile. Thus, while the bottom housing provides a shared sonorous experience for both switches, the overall sound signature and feel diverge primarily due to the top housing differences. As such, enthusiasts can choose based on their preferences for sound clarity versus warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The EF Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which can be easier on the fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, while the bottom out force for the WS Pearl is specified at 58 grams, the bottom out force for the EF Cedar remains unknown. This lack of information prevents a direct comparison on that front. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the WS Pearl would be the ideal choice, while those who appreciate a heftier push will likely gravitate towards the EF Cedar, reflecting their distinct features and user experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it is clear that the Everfree Cedar, with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, offers a slightly longer stroke than the WS Pearl, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This minimal difference means that users seeking a more responsive experience may prefer the WS Pearl due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who favor a bit more depth when pressing down on a key may appreciate the Everfree Cedar’s longer travel. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feel and responsiveness, the Everfree Cedar provides a slightly more pronounced travel experience compared to the WS Pearl.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, distinct characteristics emerge that cater to varying preferences. The Everfree Cedar is known for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, characterized by high-pitched, marbly, and clacky qualities. Users will find that the sound produced by the WS Pearl is crisp and bright, possibly appealing to those who prefer a sharper auditory experience compared to the more rounded tones of the Everfree Cedar. It’s essential to remember that the sound of each switch can greatly depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps.
In terms of tactile feel, the Everfree Cedar switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. This means that it is highly responsive, thanks to either longer springs or dual-staged designs, which contribute to a dynamic typing experience that feels very alive. The polished nature of the switch further enhances the typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and minimal friction. On the other hand, the WS Pearl excels with a notably silky and creamy feel. The integration of ball-bearings in the WS Pearl significantly reduces friction, leading to a typing sensation that is exceptionally smooth and almost effortless. This creates a buttery experience that many typists may find appealing, yet the tactile feedback is different from the more snappy sensation offered by the Everfree Cedar.
Considering all these attributes, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar stands out for those who appreciate a more energetic and responsive typing experience accompanied by a poppy sound. In contrast, the WS Pearl may attract those looking for an exceptionally smooth feel and a high-pitched, crisp sound signature. While both offer appealing qualities, understanding personal preferences in sound and tactile feel will ultimately guide users to the right choice for their mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results tailored to individual typing styles, making either a worthy consideration for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, reliable experience with a slightly snappy feel and a clean sound profile, the Everfree Cedar might be the right choice for you, especially if you value a cost-effective option that still offers a polished typing experience. Its unique sound—reminiscent of a satisfying pop—combined with its responsive nature, makes it ideal for typists who appreciate efficient keystrokes without unnecessary noise. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-smooth, almost surreal typing experience, then the WS Pearl is likely the better option. Its distinctive use of ball-bearings reduces friction significantly, yielding a silky, creamy feel that is hard to match. With a slightly higher bottom out force and a high-pitched, marbly sound profile, the WS Pearl may appeal more to those who enjoy a lively, percussive feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you value a more traditional, responsive typing experience or a cutting-edge, exceptionally smooth one.
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