Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Ginger Milk, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshing crisp type feel, attributes that are partially attributed to its lengthened switch stems. With a distinctive marbly texture, these switches offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches are characterized by their soft and pastel aesthetics, which are indicative of the overall typing experience they provide. These switches offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted yet snappy sound profile. While these descriptions provide a general overview, it is important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics and features of each switch to determine the best fit for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Ginger Milk are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Baby Raccoon and the Ginger Milk switches offer similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon produces a duller and rounder sound, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon or the Jwick Ginger Milk, you can expect a similar deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to consider that the characteristics of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Baby Raccoon or the Ginger Milk, you will experience distinct sound profiles depending on whether you are pressing down or letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches, there are both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams, while the Ginger Milk requires 50 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced and responsive typing experience.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Baby Raccoon has a bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the Ginger Milk has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that pressing the Ginger Milk switch all the way down requires a slightly firmer push compared to the Baby Raccoon.
If weight is a crucial factor, the lighter actuation force of the Ginger Milk can be advantageous for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it helps alleviate any fatigue associated with excessive keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Ginger Milk, providing a satisfying and tactile response with each keystroke.
Ultimately, both switches offer a desirable range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a pleasant typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch is subjective, and choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences and usage requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch's travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Baby Raccoon switch's shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Baby Raccoon offering a quicker, more responsive key press, while the Ginger Milk provides a slightly more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 stands out with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches offers a clean and sharp auditory experience, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound level and is suitable for various purposes, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches have a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels effortless, as your fingers glide across the keys with ease. The bouncy feedback provides a spring-like sensation and a lively feel with each press. Additionally, the invigorating and polished qualities of these switches offer pronounced feedback, reduced friction, and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized by its bright and marbly sound profile, along with a refreshing crisp type feel. The lengthened switch stems contribute to its unique qualities. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a soft and pastel aesthetic, providing a silky smooth and approachable push feel, accompanied by a muted and snappy sound profile. While there are some differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both offer enjoyable and distinct experiences. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a marbley feel, the Baby Raccoon is a great choice. However, if you lean towards a more neutral sound and a buttery feel, the Ginger Milk will provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a refreshingly crisp typing feel and a marbley sound profile, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. The Baby Raccoon is described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched, making it perfect for those who prefer a higher-pitched and clean sound when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a soft and pastel typing experience, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch would be more suitable. It provides a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted and snappy sound profile. The Ginger Milk is considered a neutral switch, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Ginger Milk will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bright and resonant sound with a medium bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon would be a great fit. But if you prefer a softer and more pastel typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ginger Milk is the way to go. Consider your desired sound and feel when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.
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