Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Huano Elf both represent enticing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its unique combination of a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, amplified by its lengthened switch stems, resulting in a "marbley" typing experience characterized by resonant and invigorating feedback. In contrast, the Huano Elf is known for its POK top housing, providing enhanced acoustics and a deeper sound profile, along with a medium-light pressure that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. While both switches deliver smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or clicks, the choice may ultimately depend on whether one prefers the high-pitched and polished resonance of the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the rich, deeper tones of the Elf. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Huano Elf, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity and translucence. This makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for users who wish to enhance their keyboard's RGB lighting effects, as the clear material allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and superior durability. With a higher coefficient of friction, POK produces a slightly different sound profile mid-range to clacky in comparison to the Baby Raccoon's bright characteristics, demonstrating how the material fundamentally influences the auditory experience of each switch.
Despite their differing top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound, which reflects its softer nature, absorbing more sound vibrations compared to harder plastics. This shared bottom housing allows both switches to produce a similar sound feedback when bottoming out, as the impact of the keypress is primarily influenced by the material properties of the bottom housing. Consequently, users will experience a consistent depth and roundness in sound with both switches when they press down on the keys, allowing for a level of acoustic compatibility even with differing top materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the Baby Raccoon (V2) and POK in the Huano Elf reveals the duality of performance between the two switches. While their top housings are designed for different auditory outputs—sharp and bright versus smooth and durable—the bottom housings unify their sound profiles in terms of deeper and fuller tones. This balance between the top and bottom materials showcases how housing composition can affect the overall feel and sound when typing, allowing users to choose a switch based on their preference for either a more “clacky” experience or a brighter resonant one, while still retaining a coherent sound when fully pressed down.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a medium force switch that some may find substantial for typing and gaming experiences. In contrast, the Huano Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous touch, which is especially advantageous for long typing sessions. However, while the Baby Raccoon (V2) has a measurable bottom out force of 63 grams, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance during deep presses. Overall, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the heavier option, offering a firmer touch, while the Huano Elf provides a lighter feel that may cater better to extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience an equivalent movement from the top to the bottom of each switch. As a result, both switches will yield similar tactile experiences in terms of key actuation, allowing for a consistent feel during typing or gaming. Since they have identical travel distances, users can expect comparable performance and responsiveness, making either switch a viable choice based on other preferences like sound or feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 (V2) boasts a bright and resonant quality, characterized by a crisp and high-pitched profile that creates an immersive typing experience. The unique marbly sound comes from the switch's design and longer stems, providing a clean auditory feedback that feels both refined and lively—akin to the sound of billiard balls colliding or the sharp ring of marble. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches have yet to be detailed in terms of their sound characteristics. This leaves a gap in assessing their overall auditory experience compared to the Baby Raccoon.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its creamy, bouncy nature, which results in a smooth and snappy typing experience. The combination of pronounced feedback and elasticity creates a lively interaction with each keystroke, giving users an invigorating sensation while typing. The feedback is both polished and refined, thanks to the materials used or potential factory lubing. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Huano Elf switches, so it's impossible to make a comparison in this area.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its distinctive sound profile and fulfilling tactile experience, characterized by a marvelous blend of brightness and smoothness. The sound is sharp and marbly, while the feel offers a creamy yet lively engagement with every keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches lack described characteristics for both sound and feel, leaving uncertainty regarding their performance. As such, users who opt for Baby Raccoons can expect a refreshing and engaging typing experience, while the Elf switches remain an enigma awaiting further exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel. If you’re after a lively and dynamic typing experience, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is your go-to. These switches are characterized by their marbly sound and creamy, invigorating feel, making each keystroke a delightful experience. They do boast a moderate bottom-out force of 63 grams, which can provide that satisfying heft without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature with a lighter feel while typing, the Huano Elf is worth considering. The Elf switches feature enhanced acoustics thanks to their unique POK top housing, delivering a distinctive auditory experience that is deep and resonant. In essence, select the Baby Raccoon (V2) if you enjoy a more responsive, sharp typing sensation with a lively sound profile, or choose the Huano Elf if you favor a softer touch combined with a rich auditory backdrop.
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