Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Bamboo Green. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch, while the Bamboo Green is a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshing, crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This switch is often described as "marbley" and falls under categories such as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. Categorized as stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished, this switch offers a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Bamboo Green differ in their housing materials. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, providing a more neutral sound profile. It neither has a crisp, sharp sound nor a dull one.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Baby Raccoon incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This classic material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Bamboo Green also utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which contributes to its neutral sound profile. Similar to the top housing, it neither produces a crisp nor a dull sound.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon emphasizes the qualities of the bottom housing during key press down. The bottom housing largely affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the materials used in the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, both offer a neutral sound profile. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound when using either the Baby Raccoon or the Bamboo Green.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Bamboo Green is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a similar medium level, with the Baby Raccoon at 63 grams and the Bamboo Green at 62 grams.
Considering weight, both switches can offer benefits depending on individual preferences. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green switch may be more suitable, as it requires less force for actuation. This can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Baby Raccoon switch, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. This can provide a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Everglide Bamboo Green differ slightly, with the Bamboo Green requiring less force for actuation. However, both switches provide a similar medium level of bottom out force. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences, with the Baby Raccoon offering a heavier feel and the Bamboo Green providing a lighter experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon switch. In general, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Baby Raccoon switch with its shorter travel distance might be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke depth. Ultimately, the choice between the Baby Raccoon and Bamboo Green switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. These characteristics result in a higher-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp tones. Tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding can help concretize the marbly adjective in the context of these switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is also described as high-pitched and resonant, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches share similar sound profiles, providing an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience as if gliding effortlessly across the keys. The switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with lively keys that offer rebound when pressed. It also offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. It provides a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Its strong and crisp tactile bump is distinct with each keypress, and the polished switch provides reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Raccoon offers a bright, marbly sound and a creamy, bouncy, invigorating feel, the Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound and a stepped, accented, sharp feel. However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as sound and feel can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, but it ultimately comes down to the individual's preferences and desired typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a bright and resonant sound with a refreshingly crisp type feel, then the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its unique marbley sound signature and lengthened switch stems, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that resembles tapping on a solid piece of marble. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be more suitable. These switches offer a high-pitched sound profile and a distinct tactile bump that provides a pronounced amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel.
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