Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Aflion Iceberg

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come into the conversation are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Iceberg, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Baby Raccoon is known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, attributed to its lengthened switch stems. These switches are often described as "marbley" and offer a variety of traits such as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches from Aflion, although a relatively new player in the market, showcase the quality the brand has to offer. These switches boast satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to their two-stage spring design. They are characterized as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best-informed decision on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$5.50 per 10

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Iceberg both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice provides several similarities in terms of their sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for both switches if you plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing of these switches.

When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Baby Raccoon and the Iceberg opt for nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch due to the nylon bottom housing.

It is essential to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the switch. In the case of the Baby Raccoon and Iceberg, the bottom housing, which is made of nylon, will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate, will impact the sound produced when letting go of a key. Overall, while the two switches have differences in their housing materials, users can still expect similar results in terms of their sound profiles and typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Iceberg's lighter 37 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a weightier 63 grams, while the Iceberg has a lighter 45 grams. This suggests that the typing experience on the Baby Raccoon switch might feel slightly more substantial and forceful compared to the Iceberg, which offers a lighter and potentially more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some individuals favoring the lighter Iceberg for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier and more substantial feel of the Baby Raccoon.

Travel distance

The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iceberg has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, making the Iceberg switch the closer fit to the traditional standard. However, gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Baby Raccoon a more favorable choice for them. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with a more substantial depth. In this case, the Iceberg switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp sound profile. The marbly adjective used to describe these switches refers to their resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, which can be likened to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches are considered high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Based on this information, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound, providing a clean and sharp sound profile.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is described as offering a creamy typing experience. This is due to the smooth and buttery feel that these switches provide, either from factory lubrication or specific materials used. Typing on these switches gives a silky sensation, gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, they are also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. They are also considered invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Lastly, the switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This is likely due to longer or dual-staged springs, which make the switches feel more alive. They are also referred to as feathery, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue. These switches have a light actuation force, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, they are described as having a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being too feather-light. The sound signature of these switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a resonant sound with a clean and sharp profile, while the Iceberg is clacky with a sharp and snappy sound. Both switches are high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg is snappy, feathery, and provides a subtle resistance. While they may have some similar qualities, such as being high-pitched, the overall experience of these switches will differ based on the described qualities. It's important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a bright and resonant sound profile with a refreshingly crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is a great option for you. With its lengthened switch stems, these switches offer a unique "marbly" sensation that can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy and polished feel, allowing for a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and desire a satisfying smoothness and an invigorating feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is perfect for you. These switches are known for their two-stage spring, providing a fulfilling typing sensation with a snappy and responsive feedback. The Iceberg switches also offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Moreover, if you're looking for a feathery switch that requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue, the Iceberg switches are a suitable choice.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Aflion Iceberg linear switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more