Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Red stand out as two distinct yet appealing options. The Everfree Cedar is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance at an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a "snappy" and "polished" feel along with a satisfying poppy sound profile. In contrast, the WS Red features a unique 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, complemented by a heavier actuation force that delivers a more substantial keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a tactile sense of weight with each press. While both switches cater to users who appreciate linear actuation, they offer different textures and feedback, influencing the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Red switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing it to create a clearer resonance when typing. In contrast, the WS Red features a nylon top housing, a material generally associated with deeper and fuller sound profiles due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. Thus, while the EF Cedar's polycarbonate top enhances the brightness of sounds during key release, the WS Red’s nylon top contributes a more muted tone, creating a significant divergence in auditory experience that users may prefer depending on personal taste.

Conversely, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches share similarities in their bottom housing, both of which are made from nylon. With this shared material, both switches provide a consistent foundational quality in their sound profile—namely, a deeper and fuller auditory experience during key actuations. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, thus diminishing sharper noises and promoting a more rounded acoustic response. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out feel and sound will be comparably dampened in both switches, resulting in a satisfying thock sound that enhances the typing experience.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings create distinct auditory profiles, but the shared nylon in the bottom housing ties the two switches together through a more subdued sound experience. Users looking for a more vibrant and high-pitched sound may gravitate toward the Everfree (EF) Cedar, while those preferring a rounded and softer acoustic quality might find the Ws Red more appealing. Regardless of choice, the structural composition of the switches suggests that they can still yield similar results in overall feel, particularly concerning the bottom-out sound, which is primarily influenced by the functionality of the bottom housing. Thus, the decision between the two may ultimately rest on individual preferences for the auditory characteristics brought forth by the differing top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we observe notable differences in their characteristics. The EF Cedar switch has a known actuation force of 55 grams, providing a lighter typing experience, while the WS Red's actuation force remains undisclosed. However, the WS Red switch does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that the EF Cedar switch allows for easier actuation, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the WS Red offers a heavier push that contributes to a more substantial feel when typing. Since the bottom out force for the EF Cedar is unknown, we can't conclude its complete performance profile, yet it appears that the WS Red is the heavier option due to its specified bottom out force, leading to a distinction between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we find that the EF Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you choose the EF Cedar, you will experience a shorter travel distance, which can contribute to faster response times, making it a favorable option for gamers seeking quick actuation. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. Therefore, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is better suited for those who enjoy responsiveness and agility, whereas the WS Red caters to users looking for a richer typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch produces a satisfying and poppy sound profile which adds a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. This engaging sound makes each keystroke feel lively, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch maintains a classic sound signature while also being reliant on its material mix. The sound produced is similarly familiar and consistent, fostering a feeling of reminiscence for traditional linear switches. While both switches provide agreeable auditory feedback, the Everfree Cedar's poppier nature may stand out more in comparison to the WS Red’s subdued tonal qualities.

When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. The responsive nature of the switch is attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, which make for a dynamic and lively typing action. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, elevating the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, details about the feel of the WS Red switch are not provided; however, since it features a 22mm double-stage spring, you can expect a responsive typing experience as well, albeit with a heavier actuation force that adds a different kind of weight and substance to each keystroke.

In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches each present unique qualities that can appeal to different typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar excels in its memorable sound profile and polished, snappy feel, while the WS Red is characterized by its classic auditory experience and potentially weightier actuation. While both switches offer their distinct advantages, users seeking a lively and polished typing experience might gravitate more towards the Everfree Cedar, while those who appreciate a heavier and familiar typing sensation may find solace in the WS Red.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you are looking for a cost-effective switch that provides smooth, snappy, and polished performance, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force allows for a less physically demanding typing experience, making it suitable for those who type for extended periods or prefer a quick response without much resistance. However, if you appreciate a more substantial feel and a heavier actuation force, the WS Red might be more appealing. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, giving you a bouncier yet responsive typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who like to feel more engagement with each keystroke while still maintaining a familiar sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with your comfort and typing habits—whether you desire a light and smooth experience or a more weighted and engaging one will guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

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Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more