KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray 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 KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Raccoon. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, providing a light touch and crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon is a linear switch known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. It is described as "marbley" and offers a range of characteristics like being resonant, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities and can cater to different preferences. However, let's explore further to help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Raccoon have similar housing materials, with both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. Therefore, users can expect to experience similar sound and lighting effects in both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes nylon, while the Baby Raccoon also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both the Ash Gray and the Baby Raccoon, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall performance of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the polycarbonate top housing in both the Ash Gray and the Baby Raccoon will contribute to the sound produced when releasing a key, creating a distinct and satisfying sound experience.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Raccoon share polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Although they have some differences, the overall sound experience in terms of the top and bottom housings will be similar. Whether it's the satisfying sound produced when releasing a key or the typing experience with a duller sound profile, these switches deliver quality performance in their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, one notable difference is the actuation force. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Baby Raccoon requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch would require less pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force. Considering the bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Baby Raccoon's 63 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall into the medium category for bottom out force. This means that while the Baby Raccoon would provide a slightly heavier typing experience overall due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Ash Gray switch would offer a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience for those who prefer a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, we can see that they both have relatively short travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Ash Gray would be the preferable option with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel to your keystrokes, the Baby Raccoon with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to each individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized by a resonant, high-pitched sound profile. It offers a clean and sharp sound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is also described as "marbly", which means it produces a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. Overall, the Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound experience, while the Baby Raccoon switch offers a more resonant and high-pitched auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel. It is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. With a bouncy and invigorating feedback sensation, the keys have a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. Overall, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing feel, while the Baby Raccoon switch provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile and is easy to press, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a gentle and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon switch has a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience. It provides a creamy and smooth typing feel, with bouncy and invigorating feedback sensations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound and easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch is the better choice. However, if you prefer a resonant sound and creamy, bouncy feel, the Baby Raccoon switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive. The Ash Gray switch is also easy to press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It offers an easy and comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes whether you are using it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the perfect choice. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a marbley typing experience. The lengthened switch stems of the Baby Raccoon contribute to its crisp type feel, giving it a clean and sharp sound profile. The Baby Raccoon switch is creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It provides a silky sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys with ease. It is also bouncy, providing a spring-like rebound when pressed. The invigorating and polished characteristics of the Baby Raccoon switch further enhance the typing sensation, offering pronounced feedback, smooth key travel, and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is recommended if you prefer a light touch and a tactile feedback. It is suitable for most intents and purposes and offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is recommended if you prefer a bright sound signature and a crisp type feel. It offers a marbley, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences in terms of touch, sound, and feel.
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