Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. It is characterized by its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. This unique feature gives the Baby Raccoon a truly extraordinary quality, often described as "marbley". On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is a tactile switch that offers a relaxed and stepped typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasantly mellow auditory experience. While both switches have their distinct qualities and advantages, it's important to dive deeper into their specifics to decide which switch best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly in terms of sound profile and rarity. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffer plastic composition creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it perfect for those who appreciate a distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. ABS is a rare plastic to be used in switch housings, which adds to the uniqueness of the Crystal Violet.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Raccoon employs a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound and contribute to a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's bottom housing also utilizes ABS, mirroring its top housing material. This ABS bottom housing provides a lower-pitched sound, similar to the top housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout.
While the Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials, it is important to note that these variations affect different aspects of the typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities impact the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing's qualities will be more noticeable when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Crystal Violet's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon again falls on the heavier side with a force of 63 grams, while the Crystal Violet has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Crystal Violet switch provides a slightly softer and more gentle typing experience compared to the Baby Raccoon.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it greatly influences the user's typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. These lighter switches are particularly suitable for keyboards used at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
While the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Everglide Crystal Violet switches differ, both fall within the medium range, indicating a comparable level of tactile feedback. However, the Baby Raccoon switch provides a slightly more resistant feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a lighter and more forgiving typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, providing a balanced feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon offers a shorter travel distance, making it preferable for gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, aiding in gaming performance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, the longer travel distance of the Crystal Violet may be more suitable. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches will result in a clean and sharp auditory experience. They have a bright sound signature, which can be likened to the sound of two billiard balls colliding or tapping on a solid piece of marble. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch produces a pleasantly mellow sound. It leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in the switch housing contributes to this unique sound profile. Overall, if you prefer higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Baby Raccoon switch will be the better option, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a more mellow and subtle sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Baby Raccoon and Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy typing experience. This means that you can expect a smooth and buttery sensation while typing on these switches. It feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, both switches fall under the category of a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle and approachable feel that will be comfortable for most users. However, the Baby Raccoon switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, while the Crystal Violet switch is characterized as a stepped switch. Stepped switches have two stages in their tactile feedback, giving a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and gentle typing experience, with slight differences in the feedback sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch produces a resonant and high-pitched sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. It offers a creamy and bouncy typing feel, creating a polished and invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch has a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, giving a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. It also offers a creamy typing feel, but with a stepped tactile feedback sensation that feels more mild compared to the Baby Raccoon switch. Both switches offer a smooth and gentle typing experience, making them suitable for most typing preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched and bouncy typing experience or a mellow and stepped tactile experience, you can choose either switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice. With its lengthened switch stems, it offers a refreshing and crisp typing experience that can be described as "marbley." The Baby Raccoon also provides a creamy and polished feel, giving you a smooth and luxurious typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a more mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the better option. Its low-pitched sound, created in part by the use of ABS in the switch housing, offers a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The Crystal Violet also provides a creamy feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your personal preferences and requirements to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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