Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their unique characteristics. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches offer a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) is described as 'marbley' and resonant, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is labeled as 'easy-to-press' and feathery. Overall, both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are quite similar in terms of their top and bottom housings. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's relatively stiff nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switches.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the focus of the sound and feel may differ between the top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience of both switches is likely to be similarly enhanced by the combination of the two materials.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches offer a comparable typing experience due to their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both materials contribute to creating a unique sound profile that is sharper and crisper, with the polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the nylon adds depth and fullness to the sound. Whether you choose one switch over the other, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying and distinctive typing experience with either option.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch. The Baby Raccoon (V2) requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, as it requires less force to actuate, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Baby Raccoon (V2) for a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers looking for quick response times. The Baby Raccoon switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing compared to the Cream Yellow Pro switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 is known for its resonant and marbly characteristics, offering a higher-pitched and clean sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as providing a poppy and clacky sound right out of the box, delivering a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with the switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) is lauded for its creamy and bouncy qualities, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively feedback sensation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate while offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Both switches also share the descriptor of being polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to materials used or factory lubing.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in resonant and marbly sound qualities along with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches deliver distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a bright and resonant sound profile with a crisp and sharp typing experience, the Baby Raccoon (V2) with its marbley feel and 63-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth and easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its creamy and bouncy attributes and 60-gram bottom out force could be the better option. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force will guide you in selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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