Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Honey Bean are both standout options with their own unique features. The Baby Raccoon is praised for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This gives it a unique 'marbley' quality that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Honey Bean is known for its light and linear action, coupled with silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices. While the Baby Raccoon offers a more vibrant and invigorating typing experience, the Honey Bean provides a more subdued and easy-to-press feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean's POM top housing, known for its deeper and more muted sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Honey Bean provides a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a nylon housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Jerrzi Honey Bean. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile, enhancing the typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its unique sound profile on the deeper side, adding to the overall typing experience. While both bottom housing materials offer their own set of qualities, the choice between nylon and POM depends on the desired sound and feel when typing.
Considering the impact of different top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile, users can expect a balance of qualities from both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Honey Bean. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the material used, with nylon offering a deeper sound while POM provides a more muted tone. On the other hand, the top housing's effect on the sound when releasing a key showcases the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and POM, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by POM. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch have their differences and similarities. The Baby Raccoon has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams, making the Baby Raccoon the heavier of the two. However, both have a similar medium bottom out force as the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch is significant as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Honey Bean for longer typing sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Baby Raccoon. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel of each switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Despite the small difference in distance, both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with the Baby Raccoon offering a slightly shorter and potentially faster keystroke, while the Honey Bean provides a tad more depth in each press. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance that should result in comparable typing experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Honey Bean has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey Bean for $3.59.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the sound profiles differ significantly. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch offers a muted sound, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the vibrant sound of the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the subtle sound of the Honey Bean.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is praised for its creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel, offering a smooth and luxurious typing experience with pronounced feedback and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, catering to different typing preferences and comfort levels.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch each have their own distinctive sound and feel characteristics. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in providing a bright and crisp sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Honey Bean offers a muted sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, typing experience, and environment considerations. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch or the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, you should base your decision on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a bright, resonant, and marbly sound profile with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of None grams and a muted sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, then the Honey Bean switch is the better option for you. Consider the noise level, tactile feedback, and actuation force that align with your typing style and environment to make the best choice between these two switches. Ultimately, your typing experience should be tailored to your preferences for an enjoyable and satisfying interaction with your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
