Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy both stand out as impressive linear options, yet they offer distinctly different experiences. The Baby Raccoon (V2), with its unique lengthened switch stems, boasts a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel that enthusiasts often describe as "marbley." This invigorating switch is characterized by its resonant, bouncy, and creamy action, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a touch of auditory engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy brings forth a rich and sharp sound profile, complemented by silky smoothness thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. Users seeking a more subdued yet refined typing experience may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, as it emphasizes smooth travel without sacrificing build quality. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, offering unique tactile sensations and sound characteristics. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy feature distinctly different materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a more resonant sound, making the typing experience feel crisper. The clear quality of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and visibility. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory feedback. Thus, while the Baby Raccoon yields a more pronounced and bright sound, the Deep Navy offers a rounded and subdued tone, making their audible experiences contrast sharply.
Despite these differences in top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, creating a point of similarity between the two. Both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy benefit from the sound-dampening qualities inherent in nylon. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that resonates nicely with the key presses. This similarity emphasizes that while the top housings dictate the brightness and clarity of the sound, the nylon bottom housings help centralize the overall sound experience, contributing to the deep sound when bottoming out.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the top housings lead to markedly different sound profiles, while the matching nylon bottom housings tie the two switches together through their shared auditory characteristics. Users who prefer a vibrant and crisp typing experience may lean towards the Baby Raccoon (V2), while those who favor a warm and rounded auditory feedback might opt for the HMX Deep Navy. Regardless of choice, both switches deliver a unique typing experience, shaped by how the different housing materials interact to produce sound and feel during usage.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) requires a medium actuation force of 55 grams, while the Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This difference extends to their bottom out forces as well, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) at 63 grams compared to the Deep Navy's 45 grams. Consequently, the Baby Raccoon feels more substantial under the fingers, which some typists may prefer for a robust feel, particularly in longer typing sessions. In contrast, the lighter Deep Navy switch allows for quicker key presses and may help reduce fatigue during extended usage, catering to those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, while both switches can serve different preferences, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a heavier, more tactile experience, while the Deep Navy is designed for ease and speed.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect a comparable keypress experience across both switches. This uniformity means that whether you choose the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the Deep Navy, you will achieve similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is distinguished by its resonant, high-pitched characteristics, creating a bright and crisp auditory experience with every keystroke. Its vivid sound signature, often likened to the collision of billiard balls or the tapping of marble, contributes to an immersive typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch’s sound profile is not specified, leaving its sonorous qualities unknown. While the Baby Raccoon delivers a sharp auditory feedback, the Deep Navy may have sound qualities that could resonate similarly depending on keycaps and board choice.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) boasts a uniquely invigorating and creamy typing experience, enhanced by its longer switch stems, which lend themselves to a polished and bouncy feedback. The combination of smoothness and elastic recoil creates a lively interaction with the keys, making typing an enjoyable and engaging activity. The characteristics of the Deep Navy switch in terms of feel are not detailed here, but if they also emphasize smoothness similar to what is found in high-quality linear switches, users may achieve a pleasant tactile experience as well.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) offers an exceptional auditory and tactile experience characterized by its bright sound and creamy feel, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch’s qualities remain largely unknown. If you prefer a vibrant and interactive typing experience, the Baby Raccoon’s marbly sound and polished feel make it a fantastic choice. However, if the Deep Navy switches provide a similarly smooth and rich tactile feel, they could also deliver enjoyable results, although the specifics for sound and feel remain uncertain. Exploring both options can help you discover personal preferences in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and style. If you enjoy a more engaging typing experience characterized by a crisp, marbley feel, along with a responsive bottom-out force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) might be your best bet. Its higher actuation force of 63 grams offers a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate for providing tactile feedback, making it a fantastic choice for those who tend to type more actively or enjoy a lively keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force of 45 grams, the HMX Deep Navy will likely suit your needs better. Its smooth and silky typing experience, combined with a rich sound profile, makes it ideal for quieter environments or long typing sessions where comfort is key. The Deep Navy is perfect for users who prioritize ease of use and a more subdued audio experience. Ultimately, your choice should come down to whether you seek a dynamic, responsive typing action or a more gentle, effortless keystroke.
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