Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Baby Raccoon is known for its distinctive sound signature, characterized by a bright and refreshing tone. This is achieved through the use of lengthened switch stems, which results in a unique "marbley" feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow boasts a budget-friendly appeal while still delivering excellent performance. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a pleasantly bouncy type feel. Both switches offer qualities such as being polished, high-pitched, and creamy, yet they each possess their own unique traits. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This means that both switches will offer a similar sound experience and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are the same and provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic experience, their bottom housing materials differ. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a similar typing experience. So, if you're looking for a switch with similar sound qualities and a translucent top housing for RGB lighting, both the Baby Raccoon and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be suitable options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 50 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balanced typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow demands 67 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Yellow slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's lower actuation force may be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would be especially beneficial for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may lean towards the Baby Raccoon, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 linear switch offers a resonant and marbly sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched and clean sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch also has a high-pitched sound profile, with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches provide a resonant experience, offering an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp sound. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. The creamy aspect indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The bouncy feature provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. Additionally, the invigorating attribute of the switch offers pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and moderate to firm actuation force. Finally, the polished characteristic signifies a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is also described as polished and creamy. These switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience due to their smooth finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy aspect indicates a smooth and buttery sensation, much like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize providing a pleasant and polished feel while typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a resonant and marbly sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a high-pitched clacky sound. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch focuses on a polished and creamy feel. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize providing a smooth and refined typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches to ensure the best fit for individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-bottom out force switch with a bright sound signature and crisp type feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the one for you. Its longer switch stems contribute to a marbley typing experience. The Baby Raccoon offers a resonant and marbly sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force switch that is budget-friendly, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is the choice to consider. When typing on it, you can expect a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. Similar to the Baby Raccoon, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, it is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a bright sound signature, crisp type feel, and medium-bottom out force, go for the Baby Raccoon. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a budget-friendly option, and a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a suitable choice. Consider your desired auditory and tactile experiences to find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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