Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are constantly searching for the perfect combination of sound and feel. Two switches that have gained popularity in recent years are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Grapefruit, both belonging to the linear switch category. The Baby Raccoon is known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switches offer a softer and lighter typing experience, with a unique "baritone" sound profile. While the Baby Raccoon provides a more resonant and marbly experience, the Grapefruit switches offer a low-pitched and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Grapefruit switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a distinct and vibrant sound, both the Baby Raccoon and Grapefruit switches will deliver similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Grapefruit diverge in their choice of material. The Baby Raccoon employs nylon for its bottom housing, whereas the Grapefruit also utilizes nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more resonant and muted bottom-out sound, both the Baby Raccoon and Grapefruit switches will offer similar experiences with their nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the housing material of a switch significantly influences its overall sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings may differ in the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Grapefruit switches, each material brings unique qualities to the user's typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics, such as impact and sound, become more prominent. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may vary between the Baby Raccoon and Grapefruit switches, the overall typing experience may still be comparable, with the specific nuances influenced by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 45 grams. This means that a slightly firmer press is needed to trigger a keystroke on the Baby Raccoon. Similarly, the Baby Raccoon has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 53 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Baby Raccoon requires a bit more force. Despite these differences, both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category, ensuring a relatively comfortable typing experience for most users. If a lighter switch is preferred for extended typing periods, the Grapefruit would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Baby Raccoon would be the suitable choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon.
In terms of preference, the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Grapefruit falls within the more traditional range, providing a familiar keypress experience for users. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Baby Raccoon is slightly shorter, which is favored by gamers who value faster response times.
Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel to your keypresses, the Grapefruit with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences, and the choice between them would depend on individual preferences and requirements.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41.
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 switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp auditory experience, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which gives off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Grapefruit switch also has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory and specific materials used. Typing on Baby Raccoon switches gives a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the switches provide a spring-like feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The polished finish of the Baby Raccoon switch adds to the sleekness and reduces friction, resulting in smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is also described as polished, indicating that it features a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, there is no additional information available regarding the specific feel characteristics of the Grapefruit switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Grapefruit switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, while the Grapefruit switch offers a low-pitched and more neutral sound. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While more information is available for the Baby Raccoon switch in terms of feel, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and can deliver similar results in certain aspects.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a bright and crisp sound profile, along with a refreshing marbley feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is the ideal choice for you. The longer switch stems contribute to its unique typing experience, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of colliding billiard balls. These switches offer a resonant and high-pitched sound, perfect for those who prefer a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a softer type feel, the KTT Grapefruit is a great option. With its tarty linear switches, you can expect a soft and light typing sensation. The Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is a neutral switch, suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, making it versatile for various environments such as home or work.
In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you are specifically looking for a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon offers these additional sensations.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Grapefruit depends on your preferences for sound and feel. Consider the type of typing experience you desire and whether you prefer a medium or medium-light bottom out force.
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