Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two contenders stand out: the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TTC Honey, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright and refreshing sound signature, along with a delightfully crisp typing experience thanks to its lengthened switch stems. In fact, these extraordinary linear switches are often described as "marbley", offering a unique sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Honey boasts a smooth and creamy typing feel, coupled with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Known for being "subdued" and "buttery", these switches provide a more subtle typing experience. While these general characteristics may give you a sense of which switch could suit your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for yourself.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Honey switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature clear housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers these qualities, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Honey switches will provide similar results.
However, one key difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Raccoon switch employs nylon as its bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey switch utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of the top housing. As a result, the bottom housing of the Honey switch will contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound.
When typing or pressing down on the switches, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more pronounced. The bottom-out sound and feel of the Baby Raccoon switch will be influenced by its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch will contribute to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing of both switches.
In summary, while the top housing materials and their effects on sound may be similar between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Honey switches, the bottom housing materials differentiate their overall sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the specific sound profile desired and the importance placed on the bottom-out and release sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, several differences can be observed. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Honey will require less force to register a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Raccoon is 63 grams, while the Honey has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Honey switch will also provide a softer landing when fully pressed down.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Honey switch as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions where the lighter switch can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may find the Baby Raccoon switch more suitable, as it requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Honey switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer distinct force requirements, with the Baby Raccoon being heavier and the Honey being lighter. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results to the Baby Raccoon's medium force can achieve a similar experience by selecting the Honey switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance would be the recommended choice. However, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Honey switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both options provide a different tactile experience, catering to the preferences of different individuals.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Baby Raccoon and Honey switches are described as creamy. This means that they both offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to having lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. When typing on these switches, you can expect a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, while the Honey switch is described as frictionless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys and offering a fluid travel. Both switches also mention being polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch has a bright and resonant sound profile, with a higher-pitched and marbly sound. It provides a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Honey switch produces a more subdued sound, with a creamy and frictionless feel. It is also described as subtle and polished. While the switches have their distinct qualities, both provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, and they are suitable for those seeking a refined and satisfying feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can be a great choice, offering similar results in terms of creaminess and polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-bottom out force and a switch with a bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches are characterized by their marbley attribute, resulting from their lengthened switch stems. This unique feature produces a higher-pitched and clean sound profile, offering an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as creamy and bouncy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing feel, similar to the Baby Raccoon. However, it has a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature. The Honey switch is also described as creamy, frictionless, and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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