Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. This is achieved through the lengthened switch stems, providing a delightful marbley sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers an incredibly smooth and creamy experience, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. It emanates a clacky yet polished sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and qualities that make it suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$5.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron Ink Box Black differ in their housing materials, which results in variations in sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Box Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Although different, both switches provide satisfying sound profiles with their distinct characteristics.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Box Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound experience, making the Baby Raccoon a preferable choice for those who enjoy a more resonant typing sound. Likewise, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding to its clacky sound profile. Both switches provide different but equally satisfying sound profiles based on their bottom housing materials.

While the differences in housing materials contribute to variations in sound profiles, it is essential to note that the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on a switch's sound and feel is distinct. When pressing down on either switch, one will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Baby Raccoon and Ink Box Black differ in their housing materials, both switches offer comparable results in terms of typing experience and sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Baby Raccoon switch requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Box Black switch requires slightly more at 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Ink Box Black switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams. Here, the Ink Box Black switch falls into the medium-heavy range, compared to the medium range of the Baby Raccoon switch.

Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Baby Raccoon switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This would be beneficial for bringing to work or engaging in marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black switch.

In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch. This means that typing on the Baby Raccoon switch will require slightly less force, providing a lighter typing experience, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a heavier and more substantial feel. However, both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of keystrokes despite slight variations in force required.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of motion from the top to the bottom. Consequently, regardless of whether you choose the Baby Raccoon or the Ink Box Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. The sound profile of these switches is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, providing an immersive auditory experience. They offer a unique brightness and a refreshing crispness due to their lengthened switch stems. The term "marbly" implies that tapping on these switches is akin to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This sound can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, and percussive, similar to the sound of a shaken spray paint can. Both switches provide distinct sound signatures, with the Baby Raccoon offering a resonant and marbly character, while the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched profile. 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, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The creaminess is attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. They also offer a bouncy and spring-like feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing experience. The polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky and polished feel. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches offer superior tactile sensations, with the Baby Raccoon being creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, and the Ink Box Black being silky and polished.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch is best known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. It offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel, ensuring smooth and buttery keypresses with rebound and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. It offers a silky and polished feel, providing exceptional smoothness and reduced resistance. While they differ in specific characteristics, these switches both deliver highly satisfying typing experiences. By considering personal preferences and the desired overall typing feel, one can choose between the bright and marbly qualities of the Baby Raccoon or the clacky and silky attributes of the Ink Box Black, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp type feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems, these switches provide a unique and distinctive typing experience that can be best described as "marbley." The resonant and high-pitched sound profile of the Baby Raccoon switch adds to the immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the creamy and bouncy feel of the Baby Raccoon switch creates a smooth and invigorating typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be ideal for you. These switches offer a silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The clacky and high-pitched sound profile of the Ink Box Black switch adds a crisp and bright auditory feedback while typing.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, so consider your desired sound signature and typing feel to make the best decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more