Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that you might consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch. The Baby Raccoon switches are well-known for their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing experience, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They offer a unique sensation that can be best described as "marbly." On the other hand, the Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a joy. These general pointers give you a glimpse into what each switch has to offer; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Box Jade share a similar housing material for their top housing, which is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, providing a clear and resonant sound. Both switches utilize this material to enhance the sound experience, making it especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. With the polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a similar result in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
However, the Baby Raccoon and the Box Jade differ in their choice of housing material for the bottom housing, which is nylon. Typing on switches that utilize nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall impact and sound during the bottom-out phase of pressing a key.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound profile of a switch, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials is crucial. The Baby Raccoon and the Box Jade showcase how the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller experience. On the other hand, the top housing, which is polycarbonate in both switches, affects the sound when you release a key, creating a sharper and crisper tone. By understanding the impact of these housing materials, users can choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium force range. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Therefore, it can be said that the Box Jade is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force than the Baby Raccoon.
Considering the weight of the switches, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Box Jade as it requires a slightly lighter push to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may find the Baby Raccoon more suitable, as it requires a slightly heavier force to actuate the keys.
In terms of similarities, both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of force required for keystrokes, regardless of whether they choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon or the Kailh Box Jade. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same amount of travel distance with both switches. Whether you choose the Baby Raccoon or the Box Jade, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $5.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Baby Raccoon (V2) and Box Jade.
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 known for its resonant and marbly qualities. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The marbly descriptor conveys a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is also characterized by a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is especially prominent due to their clicky nature. Additionally, they are described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. The creamy descriptor indicates a smooth and buttery sensation, likely due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. The bouncy aspect provides a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Moreover, the switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel. This combination creates an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is characterized as having an accented and invigorating feel. The accented descriptor refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that typing on the Box Jade switches will have a noticeable tactile response without being too intense.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch have different profiles in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon offers a bright, marbly sound with a resonant and clean profile. Its feel is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Box Jade clicky switch produces a high-pitched sound with a sharp and crisp profile, accompanied by a crunchy sensation. Its feel is accented and invigorating, combining a medium-level tactility with a prominent tactile response. While both switches offer their own unique qualities, if you are looking for a high-pitched sound and a medium-heavy typing experience with clicky feedback and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a resonant, bright sound with an immersive and smooth typing experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is the perfect choice. With its longer switch stems, these switches offer a marbly typing experience that is both satisfying and immersive. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade is the way to go. Known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades provide a unique and enjoyable typing sensation. In terms of sound, both switches have a high-pitched profile, but the Baby Raccoon has a resonant and marbly sound, while the Box Jade is described as crunchy. When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy and polished typing experience, while the Box Jade is invigorating and accented. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, and both options provide excellent typing experiences.
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