Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Baby Raccoon, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Your fingers effortlessly glide over the keys, resulting in a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. This is partly due to its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. The result is a switch that can be described as "marbley," providing a unique and invigorating typing experience. While these generalities can give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Baby Raccoon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing is also ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting capabilities from both the Aqua King and the Baby Raccoon.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King differs from the Baby Raccoon. The Aqua King incorporates polycarbonate, which again contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the crispness and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon's bottom housing is made of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback between the Aqua King and the Baby Raccoon due to their contrasting bottom housings.
In summary, the top housings of the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Baby Raccoon are both composed of polycarbonate, providing a similar sharp and clear sound profile, along with compatibility for RGB lighting. However, the bottom housings differ, with the Aqua King utilizing polycarbonate for a crisper bottom-out sound and feel, while the Baby Raccoon incorporates nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. These variations in housing materials contribute to slight differences in the typing experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Aqua King may feel more responsive and require less force to register a key press. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Aqua King measuring at 62 grams and the Baby Raccoon at 63 grams.
Considering weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may prefer the Aqua King for its lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue can become an issue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Baby Raccoon, as its higher actuation force provides a stronger push and potentially enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a similar force requirement, indicating that users can expect similar results in terms of the overall feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience - lighter and more responsive with the Aqua King or slightly heavier with the Baby Raccoon.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Baby Raccoon has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm.
In terms of traditional travel distances, 4 mm is considered the norm, while 3.6 mm falls on the shallower side. This means that the Aqua King offers a more standard key press experience, while the Baby Raccoon provides a slightly shorter and potentially faster response time.
For gamers, who often prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Aqua King with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and needs. Those seeking a faster and more responsive typing or gaming experience may opt for the Baby Raccoon, while those desiring a more substantial key press may prefer the Aqua King. Both switches offer their own benefits, and it is important to consider personal preferences when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50 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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, they have distinct characteristics. The Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon is characterized as resonant, offering a clean and sharp sound profile. It has a higher-pitched sound profile, which can provide an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon is also described as marbly, meaning it produces a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, these descriptions give an idea of the subjective qualities of each switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Aqua King and the Baby Raccoon are described as creamy. This indicates that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches provides a silky sensation, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. Additionally, the Aqua King is also characterized as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Baby Raccoon, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and offers a rebound effect when pressed. Furthermore, the Baby Raccoon is considered invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches are further described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. These descriptions imply that both switches offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, albeit with slight differences in terms of the bounciness and feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch have contrasting sound profiles. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound, while the Baby Raccoon has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound with marbly characteristics. Both switches offer a creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Aqua King is characterized as frictionless, while the Baby Raccoon is described as bouncy and invigorating. Although they have different sound profiles and slight variations in feel, both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience with smoothness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches are both excellent options. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a magical typing experience that feels like gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon stands out with its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King offers a subdued sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon provides a resonant, high-pitched sound profile, giving you an immersive and clean auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Similarly, the Baby Raccoon shares the creamy and polished feel, but also incorporates a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and lively keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a keyboard switch that feels like gliding on ice with a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is a great option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a bright sound signature, lengthened switch stems, and a bouncy typing feel, the Baby Raccoon is the way to go. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the best choice for your ideal typing experience. In the end, both switches offer their own unique qualities and will surely enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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