Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Box Navy. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. These extraordinary linear switches have lengthened switch stems, giving them a distinctive "marbley" quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience and love the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. They offer a vintage feel reminiscent of the buckling keyboards of the 80s, and their heftiness provides a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Navy have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as it is a relatively stiffer plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Baby Raccoon and the Box Navy will produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the housing materials for the bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon utilizes nylon while the Box Navy also uses nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and offers its own unique benefits. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Baby Raccoon and the Box Navy will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of overall feel and sound, the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. Thus, the Baby Raccoon and the Box Navy will have slight differences in sound and feel due to their respective nylon and polycarbonate housings. However, the similarities in their housing materials ensure that they both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is lighter at 55 grams compared to the Box Navy's 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium actuation force level, but the Baby Raccoon requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a lighter force of 63 grams while the Box Navy has a heavier force of 90 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Box Navy switch will deliver a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Baby Raccoon's actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. However, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Box Navy switch with its heavier forces would be the better option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels when pressed, which is the distance that you feel when you press down on a key. In the case of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, both switches have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when using either switch, you will experience the same travel distance when pressing down on a key. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Navy.
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel. These switches have lengthened stems, which contribute to their unique characteristics. In terms of sound, the Baby Raccoon is described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches will result in a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The marbly adjective conveys a sense of solidity, comparable to tapping on a piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. Typing on these switches will provide a smooth and buttery sensation, with a spring-like feedback and a snappy and reactive feel due to the pronounced feedback. The polished finish adds to the sleek typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, on the other hand, is best known for its heavy typing experience and retro sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. In terms of sound, the Box Navy is described as resonant and crunchy. Typing on these switches will produce a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, with the additional characteristic of sounding like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. As for feel, the Box Navy is described as invigorating, with a pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The switch is also known for being stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch have their unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a marbley and high-pitched sound with creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a retro and crunchy sound with an invigorating feel and a stiff actuation force. Depending on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can be an excellent choice. It should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature with a crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the perfect choice for you. Its lengthened switch stems contribute to its unique "marbley" sensation, providing an extraordinary typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the ideal option. Its vintage buckling keyboard-inspired heftiness and sound signature will surely satisfy your preferences. Both switches offer resonant sound profiles, but the Baby Raccoon switch leans towards a higher-pitched and clean sound, while the Box Navy switch has a "crunchy" clicky sound. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while the Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your typing preferences, whether you prioritize brightness, heaviness, or specific tactile sensations.
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