Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Silent 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 Silent Tactile each offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions. Its cost-effective nature combined with a satisfying poppy sound profile makes it appealing to gamers and typists who enjoy a clean auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is perfect for office environments, delivering a medium level of tactility for users who appreciate subtle feedback but desire minimal noise disruption. Featuring precision-engineered stem railings that eliminate the need for silicone dampeners, this switch redefines silent operation, harmonizing quietness with tactile responsiveness. While both switches cater to specific preferences—smoothness versus tactile feedback, and sound versus silence—it's crucial to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches showcase different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which promotes a clear resonance when typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile opts for a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics, which absorb sound more effectively. As a result, the acoustic experience from these switches will differ markedly when pressing the keys, with the Everfree displaying a brighter sound while the Silent Tactile produces a more muted tone.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as each employs nylon. This similarity in material leads to a consistent auditory experience when the key bottoms out. The nylon material's inherent qualities contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience regardless of the top housing differences. The softer nature of nylon dampens vibrations and minimizes noise, which is particularly beneficial for users seeking to reduce key clatter while typing. Thus, while the Everfree's polycarbonate top may create a sharper release sound, the nylon bottom ensures that both the Everfree and WS Silent Tactile switches maintain a rounded and pleasant bottom-out experience.
Ultimately, the varying interactions between the different housing materials result in unique yet complementary typing sensations for both switches. The stark contrast between the polycarbonate top of the Everfree Cedar and the nylon top of the WS Silent Tactile may appeal to different user preferences: those who prefer a crisper feedback may gravitate towards the Everfree, while users who favor muted, softer sounds will likely choose the Silent Tactile. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing enhances both switches' overall sound dampening qualities, creating a cohesive experience on the low end that balances the distinctive characteristics provided by their respective top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree switch has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, making it a lighter option, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, its bottom out force is unavailable, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is unknown. This indicates that the tactile switch offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a firmer keystroke feel. Therefore, if one prioritizes a lighter touch for comfort over extended use, the Everfree switch would be the better choice, while those favoring a heavier, more tactile response might lean towards the WSa Silent Tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Everfree switch allows for a bit more travel, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance may cater to those who want a quicker response time, making it more suitable for gamers or those who prefer a more abrupt actuation. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, those who value brevity in their keystrokes would likely gravitate towards the WS Silent Tactile, whereas users seeking hearty depth might find the Everfree switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 profiles of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar offers a satisfying yet poppy sound profile, which lends itself to a more expressive typing experience, likely resonating with those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch is engineered for a muted and neutral sound experience, ideal for discreet office environments. This switch minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a soft and subdued auditory backdrop that allows for quieter typing without compromising the overall switch performance.
Regarding feel, the Everfree Cedar's characteristics are less defined, but it can be inferred that, as a linear switch, it will provide a smooth and consistent typing experience with no tactile bump. This contrasts with the WS Silent Tactile, which is described as providing a medium level of tactility that is both accented and invigorating. With a pronounced feedback and snappy actuation, this switch ensures an engaging feel for the user, enhancing the typing experience. The WS Silent Tactile strikes a balance between being tactile yet not overwhelming, making it suitable for a range of users from beginners to experienced typists.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they cater well to specific environments and typing styles. The Everfree Cedar emphasizes a lively aural experience that may appeal to those who enjoy an expressive typing sound, whereas the WS Silent Tactile excels in quietness paired with tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for workplace settings. Ultimately, choosing between them will come down to personal preference regarding sound level and tactile response, ensuring that users can find a switch that meets their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a smooth, reliable linear option that provides a satisfying and poppy sound profile without the distraction of tactile bumps, the Everfree Cedar is a fantastic choice for both gaming and casual typing. Its lighter actuation and linear nature allow for a fluid typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor swift key presses and minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you need a switch that excels in quieter settings—like an office or shared workspace—the WS Silent Tactile's medium-heavy actuation force combined with its innovative design ensures that you achieve both tactile feedback and a muted sound profile. This switch offers a balance of responsiveness and tranquility, making it suitable for users seeking that satisfying "click" without the accompanying noise. Ultimately, consider your environment and typing style, and choose the switch that aligns with your comfort and performance needs.
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