Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out for its bright sound signature and crispy type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Described as 'marbley', this linear switch offers a resonant and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch brings tactile typing to an art form, with a smooth feel and pronounced tactile bump. This switch is known for its creamy smoothness and satisfying tactile feedback. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in providing a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued and stepped tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to your preference for linear or tactile feedback. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Ice King Tactile both use nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Baby Raccoon (V2) distinguishes itself by utilizing polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to a unique auditory experience for each switch, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) offering a more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its clear polycarbonate top housing, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a more classic look without the translucency of polycarbonate. Despite their visual differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile common to both switches.
Overall, while both switches share similar sound qualities due to their nylon bottom housing, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Ice King Tactile comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of different materials for the top housing sets the Baby Raccoon (V2) apart in terms of sound clarity and resonance, while the Ice King Tactile provides a more classic typing experience with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, while the bottom out force is also slightly lighter at 63 grams for the Baby Raccoon and 68 grams for the Ice King Tactile. The difference between the two is not significant, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes. Some may prefer the Baby Raccoon for its lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the Ice King Tactile for a firmer, more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile. In general, a shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who require fast reaction speeds. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can offer a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 (V2) linear switch is characterized by a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch provides a more subdued sound signature, creating a dampened and subtle typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon switch aims for a higher-pitched and immersive sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is known for its creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing sensation, providing a smooth and buttery feel with a spring-like feedback and refined finish. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offers a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, emphasizing exceptional smoothness, minimal resistance, mild tactility, and refined finish. The Baby Raccoon switch focuses on a bouncy and invigorating typing feel, while the Ice King Tactile switch prioritizes a silky and frictionless typing experience with mild tactility.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a bright, resonant sound with a creamy, bouncy feel, while the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can choose the switch that best suits their individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Baby Raccoon linear switch or the Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics that cater to specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound profile with a crisp feel that some might describe as "marbly," the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a creamy, silky feel with a subdued sound profile, as well as a unique tactile bump for enhanced typing feedback, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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