Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is well-known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, attributed to its lengthened switch stems and marbly sensation when pressed. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its smooth keystrokes, thanks to the innovative CAP structure that minimizes resistance and provides enhanced stability for refined typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) leans towards a more resonant and bouncy feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a buttery and thocky sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, we see a stark difference between the top housings of the two switches. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a crisp and clear sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a mellower and rounder sound with its nylon top housing.
Moving onto the bottom housings of the two switches, we find that both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilize nylon as their chosen material. Nylon, a classic switch housing material, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its soft nature that absorbs sound effectively. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, eliciting a duller and rounder sound compared to if they had utilized a harder plastic material. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similarities in their bottom housing materials ensure that users will experience a consistent sound profile when using either the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, we see that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of material for both the top and bottom housings of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, whether it be the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the deep and mellow sound of nylon in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, there are some differences to consider. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Baby Raccoon slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Baby Raccoon for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on 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 CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow switch. If you are someone who prefers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Baby Raccoon may be the better option for you due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, you might prefer the Milky Yellow switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is known for its resonant and marbly characteristics, providing a high-pitched and clean sound profile that offers an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as thocky and bassy, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with lower frequency ranges. Depending on personal preferences, the Baby Raccoon (V2) delivers a more crisp and high-pitched sound, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switch is known for its creamy and bouncy sensations, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel. It is also described as invigorating and polished, providing pronounced feedback and a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is characterized as buttery, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. If you prefer a more bouncy and invigorating typing feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the better option, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a buttery and smooth sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a resonant and marbly sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and typing sensation, each switch has its own unique characteristics to cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your preferred keyboard setup with chosen keycaps will provide a better understanding of which switch suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, your choice will depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a resonant, marbly sound profile and a creamy, bouncy typing feel, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a thocky, bassy sound and a buttery typing experience, then the CAP V2 Milky Yellow might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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