Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it’s essential to understand the nuances that differentiate models, even within the same category. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar are both linear switches, but they offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is renowned for its bright sound signature and a crisp typing feel, enhanced by its longer stems that contribute to an exceptional marbley feel, making it an engaging choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a smooth and reliable performance at a cost-effective price, delivering a poppy sound profile that appeals to users seeking a straightforward yet enjoyable typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon is for those who crave a more invigorating feel and sound, the Everfree Cedar stands out as a dependable choice for budget-conscious users who still want a quality switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. As described, the polycarbonate construction contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This similarity ensures that users of both switches will experience a resonant sound characteristic that is suited for those who appreciate clear auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material allows for better RGB lighting effects, which enhances the aesthetic appeal for keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize customizable lighting options.
However, while both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everfree (EF) Cedar employ nylon as the material for their bottom housing, the acoustic properties differ markedly from the polycarbonate top. Nylon's softer texture leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a more rounded auditory experience compared to the sharper quality produced by polycarbonate. The combination of these housing materials means that the overall sound profile of each switch is a blend of both top and bottom materials, with the top housing influencing the sound produced during key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Ultimately, while the top housing of both switches showcases the same polycarbonate material, lending them similar sound characteristics, their nylon bottom housings play a crucial role in distinguishing the tactile experience of each switch. Users can expect a congruent auditory sharpness from the keypress but will note a variation in the overall sound profile due to the nature of Nylon in the bottom housing. The juxtaposition of these materials highlights how the combination of different plastics can create a unique typing experience while still maintaining complementary sound properties.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches both feature an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of initial pressure required for activation. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which provides a more pronounced resistance when the key is pressed all the way down, giving users a heavier feel during full keystrokes. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is currently unavailable, leaving it unclear how it compares in this aspect. As such, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a heavier bottom out feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lack of information on the Everfree's bottom out force leaves it uncertain for users who may prefer either lighter or heavier keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience an identical distance of movement from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you choose either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and key feel, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 switches are renowned for their bright, resonant sound signature. They produce a high-pitched, clean, and crisp auditory experience that many find captivating. This marbly quality adds a unique richness to the sound profile, reminiscent of the sharp clink of billiard balls or the echo of tapping on a solid piece of marble. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are designed to offer a satisfying, poppy sound profile, although the specific nuances of their auditory experience are less detailed. While the Cedar switches may provide a pleasant sound as well, their distinctive characteristics remain somewhat undefined compared to the vivid and resonant tones of the Baby Raccoons.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switches are characterized by an indulgent typing experience—smooth, creamy, and bouncy. This combination delivers a silky sensation with a lively, elastic feedback that invigorates the act of typing. The polished finish enhances the user experience by reducing friction and allowing for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches do not have specific descriptions available regarding their tactile feel. This lack of information leaves room for uncertainty about how their key travel and overall tactile response compare against the well-defined creamy, bouncy, and polished qualities of the Baby Raccoons.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switches are celebrated for their resonant and marbly sound along with a luxurious, smooth feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a cost-effective option that comes with its own satisfying sound profile. However, the detailed qualities of the Cedar switches remain largely unspecified, making the Baby Raccoons a more recognizable choice for those seeking a specific auditory and tactile experience. If you prioritize voice and feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) will likely satisfy your desires more completely than the lesser-known Everfree (EF) Cedar.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium actuation force combined with a bright, resonant sound signature, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent choice. Its marbly feel and creamy texture enhance the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a lively, invigorating feedback while typing. However, if you seek a more cost-effective option that prioritizes smoothness and reliability without specific sound characteristics, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed for you. While the lack of detailed specifications like bottom-out force in the Everfree may seem limiting, its simple yet effective design assures solid performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—whether it’s the richly layered sound and tactile response of the Baby Raccoon or the understated efficiency of the Everfree Cedar—as this will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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