Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various switches to enhance their typing or gaming experience, and two popular choices are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, a product from Gateron's sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and its satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who value a tactile auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed for speed and responsiveness, featuring a light actuation force and a more neutral sound profile, which caters to gamers and typists who prioritize quick keystrokes. While both switches are linear and offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, it is evident that both switches utilize the same materials for their construction. Both feature a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer resonance compared to softer plastics. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved, creating visually stunning effects that are consistent across both switch designs.
On the lower end of the housing spectrum, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a traditional material in mechanical switch construction, and it contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profiles noted in both switches. The responsive nature of nylon's softer plastic means it absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound that contrasts the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This combination of materials allows for a unique sound experience, where the bottom-out feel and sound are influenced significantly by the nylon, while the release sound is shaped by the more resonant polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver are constructed from the same materials, the specific combination leads to a distinctive tactile and auditory experience. When pressed, the sound and feel of a keypress will reflect the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper, more muted sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the release will showcase the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, although the materials are identical, the differentiation in experience is derived from the layered sound profiles each housing contributes to the overall switch behavior, making both switches suitable for various user preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences in actuation force highlight their distinct characteristics. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Yellow Silver is lighter at 45 grams. This difference means that users may find the Yellow Silver more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as the lower actuation force requires less effort to engage a keystroke. However, without a specified bottom out force for the Cedar switch, we can't directly contrast it to the Yellow Silver's bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. Overall, users who prefer a heavier feel and more resistance would gravitate toward the Everfree Cedar, while those seeking a lighter typing experience would benefit from the Outemu Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we see that they differ significantly. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a quicker response time, the Cedar with its shorter travel distance might be more suitable, as shorter distances can enhance responsiveness—an aspect often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which may be ideal for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and a snappier feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the better choice, while the Outemu Yellow Silver caters to those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper key press.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile which adds an engaging acoustic quality to typing and gaming. This lively sound can enhance the experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a neutral sound profile, characterized by moderate acoustics. This makes it versatile, suitable for both gaming and typing without being overly loud or distracting, making it a great choice for users who might work or type in quieter environments. While both switches have unique sound profiles, the Everfree Cedar leans towards a more pronounced audio experience, whereas the Yellow Silver maintains a balanced approach.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is well-regarded for its smooth and reliable performance. This results in a pleasant tactile experience during use, allowing for confident typing and gameplay. The Yellow Silver, on the other hand, is designed with a light actuation force that promotes quick response times, which is ideal for gamers who rely on speed and precision. While the Everfree Cedar offers a smooth operation that many users enjoy, the Yellow Silver's lower resistance provides a different kind of responsiveness that can be more appealing to those focused on fast-paced activities.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches cater to distinct preferences among users. The Everfree Cedar offers a poppy sound and smooth feel, creating an engaging typing experience, while the Yellow Silver's neutral sound and light actuation force make it more responsive for gaming scenarios. Depending on personal preferences, users can expect to achieve a satisfying typing experience from either switch, yet each comes with its unique characteristics that can enhance different aspects of the typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're someone who values smoothness and a unique auditory experience in your typing or gaming, the Everfree Cedar might be the better option for you. Its lightweight action and poppy sound profile make it ideal for casual typists or gamers who appreciate a more engaging tactile feedback without any forceful bottoming out. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and a more structured typing experience, the Yellow Silver will serve you well. With its medium-light bottom-out force and neutral sound profile, this switch is particularly suited for gamers who rely on rapid key presses and typists who need a reliable, all-around performer for daily tasks. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style, gaming needs, and whether sound and feel are your main priorities in selecting your mechanical keyboard experience.
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