Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch stand out for their unique qualities. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is renowned for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This switch is characterized by its marbly sensation and offers a range of qualities such as being bouncy and polished. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer switch exudes a sparkling allure with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance. It offers a lighter tactile experience with stepped tactility, resulting in an easy-to-press sensation. While both switches have their own distinct features, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Beer lies in their bottom housings. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Beer has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.
In terms of their top housings, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Beer feature polycarbonate material. This choice of material results in a similar sound profile for both switches, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite having the same material for their top housings, the differing bottom housings of the two switches contribute to a variation in sound and feel when typing.
The impact of having different bottom housings in the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Beer is felt in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, affecting the overall depth and resonance of the typing experience. In contrast, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key, influencing the overall clarity and sharpness of the sound produced. By understanding the qualities of each housing material and how they interact with different parts of the switch, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier touch. In comparison, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lighter feel when typing for extended periods. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Beer switch the shorter option of the two. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slightly longer travel distance of the Baby Raccoon may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 (V2) linear switch is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience with a higher-pitched tone. In contrast, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, giving a crisp and bright sound signature. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, with the Baby Raccoon offering a brighter and sharper sound compared to the Beer's clackier resonance.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is praised for its creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback and pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance with minimal force required for activation and a two-stage tactile sensation that is milder compared to hypertactile switches. Both switches offer distinct tactile responses, with the Baby Raccoon focusing on a more immersive and bouncy typing experience while the Beer aims for a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Raccoon offers a marbly, resonant sound and a creamy, bouncy typing feel, the Beer presents a clacky sound and a more lightweight, easy-to-press sensation. Both switches excel in providing users with a specialized typing experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, if a user prefers one characteristic over the other, they can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel when selecting either of these Gateron switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright sound profile with a medium bottom-out force and a crisp, marbly type feel, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a refreshing lightweight switch with a stepped tactility that offers a subtler tactile feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound and feel characteristics of the switch that align with your typing preferences.
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