Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Darling both offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems and marbley characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness and resonant, high-pitched sound. While the Baby Raccoon is categorized as resonant, marbly, and invigorating, the Darling is described as bouncy, clacky, and high-pitched. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, whether you prefer a more polished, bouncy feel with the Baby Raccoon or a chewy, springy response with the Darling. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Darling feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the visual aesthetic. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches mean that users can expect similar sound characteristics and performance when typing.
However, the bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Darling differ, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Darling also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing, offering a distinct tactile experience for users of both switches.
The impact of housing materials on switch performance is noticeable when considering the bottom and top housings separately. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the depth and fullness of the sound profile, are more pronounced during key presses and bottom-out sounds. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key, influencing the overall typing experience. By understanding the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Darling, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Darling's 45 grams, making the Darling the lighter option in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is also heavier at 63 grams, while the Darling bottoms out at 53 grams, showing that the Darling is the lighter option for bottoming out as well. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the KTT Darling switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switch. Overall, both switches offer different weight options to cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Darling switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Darling switch to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly deeper feel of the Baby Raccoon switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 and high-pitched sound profile that is described as marbly, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference, making them both suitable options for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a tactile and responsive typing sensation, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) emphasizing a more polished and invigorating feel, while the Darling focuses on a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in providing a marbly and creamy typing experience with a bright and resonant sound profile, the Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial feel and clacky, high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound profile with a crisp and marbly typing feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a bouncy, chewy typing sensation with a resonant, clacky sound profile, the KTT Darling may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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