Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch, best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. These switches have lengthened stems, giving them a unique "marbley" sensation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle bump that enhances typing flow and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. With a frosted light diffuser, it also ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, adding an immersive visual experience. Both switches provide different features and advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and lighting effects from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer texture. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of the typing experience, users can expect a slightly different bottom-out sound and feel because of the different bottom housing materials.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, in this case nylon, will be felt. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound when keys are released. Therefore, while there may be slight variations in the typing experience and sound profiles, users can expect similar results overall due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch are identical. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making them medium in terms of weight. This means that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the pressure exerted when pressing all the way down. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer an ideal weight that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, both switches offer a satisfactory level of resistance. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of both switches are the same, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Raccoon's travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prioritize a shorter, quicker keystroke or a longer, more substantial feel, both options offer their own unique advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. The sound profile of these switches is clean, sharp, and immersive. It can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is unknown based on the provided information. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. The switch is smooth, buttery, and provides a silky sensation while typing. It also offers a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel. Furthermore, the switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The polished finish of the switch contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. These switches provide a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. They offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel, suitable for comfortable and effortless typing sessions. Stepped switches, in particular, provide a mild tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a bright, resonant sound profile and a refreshing, crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened stems. It offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch promises a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to provide a gentle bump without overpowering one's typing flow. It also enhances the visual experience with frosted light diffusers, while offering an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel. While the sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch remains unknown, it provides an economical solution without compromising on quality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and other factors such as board and keycaps. However, it's important to note that both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, to wrap up, if you prioritize a bright sound signature with a medium bottom out force and a crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are characterized by their resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, offering an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, they provide a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be the ideal option. These switches give a frosted light diffuser, enhancing the brightness of your RGB lighting and providing an immersive visual experience. They offer an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped typing feel, making typing effortless, comfortable, and approachable to most. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, allowing you to enjoy a customized and satisfying keyboard experience.
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