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

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Each switch brings unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Baby Raccoon switches are best known for their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. Thanks to their lengthened switch stems, these linear switches provide a marbley sensation that truly sets them apart. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are renowned for their smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. With a higher-pitched clack, these beautiful translucent switches offer a distinct experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$5.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches both utilize different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, which is especially ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The translucent polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic appeal to the switch. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a higher-pitched and clacky sound. While both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate housing produces a brighter tone, while the Ink Box Pink delivers a slightly softer and more pointed sound.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Raccoon employs a nylon housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its relatively softer plastic composition. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which contributes to its clacky and thin sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon providing a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon housing and the Ink Box Pink offering a distinctive clacky sound.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Ink Box Pink differ, their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch is notable. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon enhances the depth and resonance of the sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink adds to its clacky and pointed sound. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon producing a brighter tone and the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink contributing to its higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches fall under the medium force category, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon measures at 63 grams while the Ink Box Pink records 60 grams. Although the differences are marginal, it can be said that the Baby Raccoon is slightly heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force. However, for those seeking similar results in terms of force, both switches still offer a similar experience with their medium weight. Considerations regarding weight are important as a lighter switch enables longer periods of typing, making it perfect for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. With both switches having the same travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch can be best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean, sharp, and immersive. The marbly adjective concretizes the experience of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches have a higher-pitched sound profile, making them suitable for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, providing a silky sensation while typing. They also provide a spring-like feedback and have a lively feel, giving a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Likewise, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Based on the available information, it is clear that both switches have their own unique qualities. The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch stands out with its resonant and marbly sound profile, along with the creamy and bouncy typing feel it offers. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch highlights its clacky sound and silky typing feel. While the sound profiles differ slightly, both switches share the characteristic of being high-pitched. Similarly, they both offer a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference, whether you prefer the marbly and creamy qualities of the Baby Raccoon or the clacky and silky attributes of the Ink Box Pink.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch with a bright sound signature and a crisp type feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is a great choice. Its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile will provide you with an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, if you prefer a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished feel, the Baby Raccoon will deliver that smooth and refined typing experience you desire.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the switch for you. Its smooth and polished feel, combined with its silky typing experience, will provide an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable keyboarding experience. Additionally, the higher-pitched and clacky sound produced by the Ink Box Pink offers a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Ink Box Pink comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider how you want your keyboard to sound and the type of typing experience you prefer, and choose accordingly. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more