Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Brother offer unique experiences for users. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that is praised for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Described as "marbley," these switches provide a resonant and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother is a clicky switch that stands out for its lightweight nature, requiring just 37g of actuation force. Known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound and well-balanced tactile bump, the Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. While the Baby Raccoon offers a polished and bouncy keystroke, the Brother delivers a clear and precise clicking experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Brother switches share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to feature RGB lighting. Overall, users can expect a comparable sound and aesthetic experience with either switch due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the differences between the nylon bottom housings of the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Brother switches may lead to distinct typing experiences. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. With the nylon bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users may notice a more rounded and dull sound when typing on switches that use nylon material. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in nuanced differences in typing feel and sound.
Considering the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, users can expect variations in the typing experience between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Brother switches. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound, the nuances of their nylon bottom housings may lead to differences in the overall typing experience. Understanding how each housing material contributes to sound profiles and tactile feedback can help users choose the switch that best matches their preferences for typing feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is clear that the Brother clicky switch is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 37 grams. In contrast, the Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Baby Raccoon (V2) is 63 grams, while the bottom out force for the Brother clicky switch is unknown. This means that while the Brother clicky switch may provide a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Baby Raccoon may be the better choice, while if you prefer a slightly quicker response, the Brother clicky switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance with only a slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 offers a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different auditory preferences, with the Baby Raccoon having a brighter sound compared to the Brother's more substantial clicky noise.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is known for its creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, offering smooth, lively, reactive, and refined sensations. Meanwhile, the TTC Brother clicky switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance and a two-stage tactile feedback during key presses, respectively. While the Baby Raccoon delivers a more nuanced and invigorating typing experience, the Brother offers a comfortable and effortless typing feel with its low-impact actuation force.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and TTC Brother clicky switch stand out for their unique sound and feel qualities. The Baby Raccoon offers a bright and marbly sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, while the Brother provides a crunchy sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon leaning towards a more tactile and reactive feel, and the Brother offering a comfortable and light actuation for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound profiles and typing sensations.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the selection between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, you should choose the Baby Raccoon if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a resonant, marbly sound profile. The Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience that is smooth and immersive. On the other hand, opt for the Brother switch if you enjoy a lightweight actuation force with a crunchy sound signature. The Brother switch provides an easy-to-press and stepped feel that is responsive and low-impact. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force to ensure an enjoyable typing experience.
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