HG Cedar Switch
Best mechanical switch for enthusiasts seeking a quiet, effortless typing experience.
Experience a superior typing sensation with the KeyArtisan HG Cedar Switch, a custom mechanical switch designed for keyboard enthusiasts. Developed in collaboration with 7MIN LAB & IKEYX, this switch offers a silky touch, strong rebound, and quiet performance. Its unique spherical contact stem and precision factory lubrication ensure cleaner, purer sound feedback with every press. Crafted with a new M1 material blend, the HG Cedar Switch focuses on acoustic refinement and a low actuation force for an enhanced, HiFi typing experience.
$16.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1604
/ 6541
#1604 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Top Housing Material
Modified PA composite
/ Modified PA composite
Who it's for
- Custom builders prioritizing long-term reliability and component consistency
- Typists wanting a premium feel without manual lubrication
- Keyboard enthusiasts seeking a deep, satisfying acoustic signature
Who should skip it
- Users with specific preferences for lighter or heavier spring weights
- Budget-conscious builders looking for cost-effective switch options
- Shoppers needing immediate availability for large-scale keyboard projects
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Refinement
M1 material blend delivers a remarkably clean and satisfying HiFi sound profile.
Typing Smoothness
Precision factory lubrication ensures a silky, friction-free travel from start to finish.
Actuation Responsiveness
Low 37gf force makes for effortless, rapid-fire typing during extended sessions.
Rebound Snappiness
The 20.5mm spring provides a lively, energetic return after every keystroke.
Build Integrity
Reinforced fiberglass housing offers a premium, rigid feel under heavy usage.
Stem Stability
Unique spherical contact design minimizes wobble for a consistent, precise typing experience.
Key Specs
Top Housing Material
Modified PA composite
Bottom Housing Material
Reinforced fiberglass PA
Stem Material
M1 material (HWUPW + POM mix)
Actuation Force
37gf
Bottom-out Force
45gf
Actuation Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
3.5mm
Spring Type
Single-stage, 20.5mm length
Features
- Silky smooth HG touch feel
- HIFI-grade acoustic quality
- Unique spherical stem design
- Low actuation force (37gf)
- Quiet performance
- Precision factory lubrication
- Strong rebound characteristics
- Durable M1 material construction
What customers say
The KeyArtisan HG Cedar switch is highly regarded by enthusiasts, primarily for its exceptional stock performance and unique sound profile. Users consistently praise the factory lubrication, noting the buttery smooth travel right out of the box requires minimal modification. The defining characteristic is the acoustic experience, frequently described as deep, woody, and satisfyingly thocky, offering a sought after low pitch. While positioned at a premium price, buyers feel the superior feel, high quality construction, and excellent sound characteristics fully justify the investment. This switch is celebrated as a top tier linear option for dedicated typing sessions.
Know before you buy
The M1 material is a proprietary blend of HWUPW and POM designed specifically to enhance acoustic refinement. It provides a smoother travel experience and contributes to the switch's signature HiFi sound profile.
Yes, the HG Cedar Switch features a standard MX-style cross mount. They are compatible with most hot-swappable or solderable keyboards that support Cherry MX-style switches.
The 37gf actuation force is considered light, making the switches ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick, low-effort inputs are preferred. You will notice a very responsive, effortless feel compared to standard medium-weight switches.
No, these switches come with precision factory lubrication applied. They are ready to install and use straight out of the box without the need for manual tuning.
No, the HG Cedar Switch is not backlight compatible. The housing materials are opaque, so they will block any light coming from your keyboard's PCB.
The actuation force is 37gf, which is the pressure required to register a keypress, while the bottom-out force is 45gf, representing the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. This light weight and tight margin between the two values contribute to the switch's snappy, responsive feel.
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