Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Cream Yellow, both linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is widely recognized for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to its longer switch stems. This results in a unique "marbley" experience that is sure to delight typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to provide a distinctively clacky sound, amplified by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel that adds to its charm. Choosing between these switches may seem daunting at first; however, let's explore the intricacies of each switch so that you can make an informed decision based on your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Cream Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that intend to use RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the two switches differ. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow also employs a nylon bottom housing, which shares the characteristics of producing a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, providing a satisfying typing experience.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials have distinct impacts on the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key. While both the Baby Raccoon and the Cream Yellow share similar top housings, the differences in their bottom housings may slightly vary the overall sound and feel of the switches. Nonetheless, users can expect comparable results in terms of the sound profiles of the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium weight category. The Baby Raccoon requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 50 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force while the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force exertion. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming will find the Cream Yellow more suitable, while individuals looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Baby Raccoon. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference may seem negligible, it can affect the typing experience for individuals who pay close attention to these details. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance may be a better choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with a bit more depth. In this case, the Baby Raccoon with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 switch offers a resonant and high-pitched profile. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp sound experience, evoking the sensation of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound. This switch produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Nonetheless, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Baby Raccoon being more resonant and high-pitched while the Cream Yellow delivers a clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience. These switches have a smooth and buttery feel, potentially due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the Baby Raccoon switch provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys as they melt into each keystroke. Additionally, these switches also offer a bouncy and invigorating feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. The KTT Cream Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It is important to mention that both switches share the bouncy feel, but the Baby Raccoon offers additional qualities such as creaminess, invigorating feedback, and a polished finish.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Cream Yellow switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics. The Baby Raccoon switch offers a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp sound experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a creamy and polished feel, with a silky sensation and invigorating feedback. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound experience. The feel of the Cream Yellow switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. While both switches share the bouncy feel, their sound and additional feel qualities set them apart. By considering these subjective qualities, users can select the switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a bright sound signature and a crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems, these switches provide a marbley sound that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. The Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy and invigorating typing experience, giving you a smooth and buttery feel with a spring-like, bouncy feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stems, providing resonant audio feedback and a sharp, snappy sound. Like the Baby Raccoon, the Cream Yellow switches also offer a bouncy feel, giving you rebound when pressed. Consider your preference for sound and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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