Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its bright sound signature and crisp linear feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Described as 'marbley,' these switches provide a bouncy and polished typing experience that is both invigorating and creamy. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches are tactile enthusiasts' dream with their sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback. With a clacky sound signature, these medium-weight switches offer a satisfying bump with each press, providing an invigorating and sharp typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to clear and resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this feature, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Baby Raccoon (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics for a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Bsun Dragon Fruit also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing.
Despite the shared use of polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Baby Raccoon (V2) results in a unique typing experience that combines the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit provides a similar typing experience with its own blend of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, offering a balance of crispness and roundness in sound. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying tactile feel and sound profile, showcasing the potential of different housing materials in keyboard switches.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings, they each offer a unique typing experience. The combination of materials in each switch provides a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to the preferences of users seeking distinct tactile feedback. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing for a crisper sound or the softer nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in enhancing the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dragon Fruit's 45 grams, making the Dragon Fruit the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams, while the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams, making the Dragon Fruit the heavier switch. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a bit of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Baby Raccoon may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is known for its resonant and marbly sound profile, offering a high-pitched and clean auditory experience that can be compared to the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a clacky sound signature, adding a liveliness to the typing experience with each press. The Dragon Fruit switch is not explicitly described in terms of sound characteristics, so it may not offer the same bright and crisp sound as the Baby Raccoon switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is often described as creamy and bouncy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Additionally, the switch is noted for its invigorating and polished feel, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as accented and sharp, offering a medium level of tactility that is prominent and distinctive with each keystroke. It is also mentioned to deliver a snappy and invigorating typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Raccoon switch excels in providing a bright and resonant sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Dragon Fruit switch stands out with a clacky sound and accented, sharp tactility. Both switches provide an invigorating typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback intensity.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch or the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, resonant sound profile and a smooth, creamy typing feel with a medium bottom out force, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a clacky sound signature, sharp tactile feedback, and a more pronounced bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. It's important to test them out for yourself to determine which one aligns best with your personal preferences.
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