Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TTC Flame Red are two options that stand out from the crowd. Both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, making it a tough decision to choose between the two. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshing crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Its remarkable linear switch characteristics can be best described as "marbley." On the other hand, the Flame Red catches the eye with its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want to showcase their backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Red switches, a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile can be felt. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, making it difficult to make a decision based solely on generalities. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches so that you can make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TTC Flame Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing offers a brighter sound, the Flame Red's nylon top housing produces a richer and more mellow sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Baby Raccoon and the Flame Red employ nylon. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite differences in their top housing materials, both the Baby Raccoon and the Flame Red switches offer a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It is worth noting that the top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. With the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing, you can expect a more distinct sound when letting go of a key, adding to the overall crispness and clarity of the switch's sound profile. On the other hand, the Flame Red's nylon top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound created upon key release, giving it a softer and less pronounced quality. Ultimately, while each switch may differ in the sound produced when releasing a key, they both offer unique characteristics based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is 55 grams, while the Flame Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch will require a slightly lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Baby Raccoon. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a higher force requirement of 63 grams, whereas the Flame Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. Therefore, the Baby Raccoon switch will result in a slightly heavier keystroke when fully pressed compared to the Flame Red switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red switch would be a more suitable option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter touch allows for longer periods of typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Baby Raccoon switch, as its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more solid and tactile feedback.
It is important to note that both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a balance between lightness and tactile feedback. Therefore, regardless of the choice between the Baby Raccoon and Flame Red switches, users can expect fairly similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the main distinction being the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Raccoon switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Flame Red falls closer to the standard of 4.0 mm, while the Baby Raccoon is on the shorter side with its 3.6 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Raccoon would be the better option for you. On the other hand, some people find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer switches with a longer travel distance like the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a sense of depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Baby Raccoon linear switch is known for its bright and crisp sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a resonant and high-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They have a polished finish and may be factory-lubed, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. Similar to the Baby Raccoon switch, the Flame Red switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon switch offers a bright and crisp sound profile with a resonant and marbly quality. It provides a creamy and invigorating typing experience with bouncy feedback. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch has a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, offering a safe and approachable typing experience with a polished finish. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and lively typing experience, the Baby Raccoon switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more moderate and gentle typing experience, the Flame Red switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is a great choice. These switches are best known for their bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They offer a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensation, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the TTC Flame Red is the way to go. These switches are particularly suitable for backlit, RGB keyboards, thanks to their dazzling light diffuser. They offer a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentler sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TTC Flame Red comes down to personal preferences. If you prioritize a bright sound signature, crisp typing feel, and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon is the better option. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that is compatible with backlit keyboards, the Flame Red is the ideal choice for you. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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