Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Aflion Blue Sky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Blue Sky, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typist feel, thanks to its longer switch stems. This unique feature gives the switches a marbly sensation that keyboard enthusiasts truly appreciate. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switches offer a crystal clear linear typing experience, courtesy of their long pole stems. These switches provide a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. The Blue Sky switches are recognized for their neutral and polished characteristics. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to better understand which switch would best suit your typing needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$5.50 per 10

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Blue Sky both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those who want to incorporate lighting effects into their keyboard setup. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the overall aesthetics of the switches, adding a touch of elegance.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Baby Raccoon and the Blue Sky employ nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer this characteristic, it is worth noting that the impact on sound and feel when bottoming out a key will be influenced more by the bottom housing.

Despite these similarities, it is important to highlight that the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. It is through this combination of different materials that the intricate and nuanced sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Blue Sky are achieved.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium range. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is slightly higher at 55 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Blue Sky. This means that the Baby Raccoon requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Raccoon is 63 grams, slightly higher than the 60 grams of the Blue Sky. This means that the Baby Raccoon offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, it is worth noting that the differences in force between the two switches are relatively minor and may not be noticeable to everyone. Overall, both switches provide a medium actuation force and bottom out force, offering a balance between lighter weight for longer typing sessions and a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch to the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, we can see a slight difference in their measurements. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches provide a similar experience, it is worth noting that the Blue Sky offers a slightly longer travel distance. Typically, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is shallower. However, there is a growing trend of shorter travel distances for faster response times, favored by gamers. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Raccoon's shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a deeper travel distance, the Blue Sky switch may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches are best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp resonance. The marbly adjective conveys the idea of a solid, resonant sound similar to tapping on a piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are also described as high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a sound profile that is not too rich or bassy, higher-pitched switches like the Blue Sky are a good choice. However, the Blue Sky switches are also described as neutral, meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches are described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the Baby Raccoon switches provides a silky sensation, with effortless keystrokes that glide across the keys. These switches also offer a bouncy, spring-like feedback, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the invigorating nature of these switches offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The polished attribute of the Baby Raccoon switches indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Blue Sky switches are approachable to most, as they stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Like the Baby Raccoon switches, the Blue Sky switches also have a smooth and refined finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches and the Aflion Blue Sky switches offer distinct subjective qualities. In terms of sound, both switches have a high-pitched profile, but the Baby Raccoon switches also have a resonant and marbly sound, while the Blue Sky switches have a more neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Baby Raccoon switches also offer a creamy, bouncy, and invigorating feel, while the Blue Sky switches have a milder and approachable typing experience. While these switches have their unique qualities, it is important to consider other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, to further customize the overall sound and feel of the switches. In summary, although the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Blue Sky switches offer different subjective qualities, you can achieve similar results depending on the other components used in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches are characterized by a marbley feel, providing a refreshingly crisp typing experience. With their longer switch stems, they offer a unique sound profile that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This can create an immersive and satisfying auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switches are often described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished in terms of feel, offering a smooth and polished typing experience with a touch of liveliness.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force but still desire a bright sound signature, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be a great option. With its long pole stem, these switches provide a crystal clear typing experience. They have a high-pitched sound profile similar to the Baby Raccoon, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. Additionally, the Blue Sky switches are described as having a neutral feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. They offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them approachable and versatile for both beginners and advanced users.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a unique marbly feel, and a variety of feel descriptors, the Baby Raccoon would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and a neutral feel, while still maintaining a bright sound profile, the Blue Sky switches would be a better fit. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more