Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TKC Kiwi. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. This is thanks to its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. The result is a switch that can be characterized as 'resonant', 'marbly', 'high-pitched', 'creamy', 'bouncy', 'invigorating', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Known for its satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi delivers a truly immersive typing experience. It is lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TKC Kiwi differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks. While both materials enhance the overall sound profile of the switches, they do so in different ways.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon adopts a nylon material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to its bright sound signature and resonant clacks. Although both housings affect the sound, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key.
Despite their differences, it is worth noting that the Baby Raccoon and the TKC Kiwi utilize similar principles when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches aim to enhance and manipulate the sound profile to cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate and UHWMPE materials offer distinctive sound characteristics, creating unique typing experiences. Similarly, the nylon and UHWMPE bottom housings contribute to an enriched sound profile, albeit with variations in depth and brightness. Hence, while the specific housings employed may differ, the overarching goal of optimizing sound quality remains consistent between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TKC Kiwi.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Baby Raccoon is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Kiwi is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiwi may be more suitable as its actuation force is lower, allowing for quicker keystrokes and potentially longer typing periods. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon offers a slightly heavier push feel, which some individuals may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. This can be beneficial for those who desire a higher level of feedback and tactile response from their keyboard.
It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This means that whether one chooses the Baby Raccoon or the Kiwi, they can expect similar results in terms of overall typing feel. However, the slight difference in weight might be noticeable to individuals who are particularly sensitive to the force required for keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Baby Raccoon and the Kiwi will depend on personal preference and typing style. Some may prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity in recent times, particularly among gamers who seek faster response times. In this case, opting for the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance would be more suitable. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the Kiwi more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50, whereas the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is known for its bright and resonant profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched and clean sound, almost reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Baby Raccoon focuses on a sharp and crisp sound, the Kiwi provides a neutral and moderate sound experience suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon offers a creamy and smooth typing experience. These switches are often factory-lubed, providing a buttery sensation as you glide your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also have a bouncy feel that gives a spring-like feedback, adding a lively touch to each keystroke. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switches offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as stepped and accented tactile switches. Stepped switches have a mild tactility with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, while accented switches provide a more prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches and TKC Kiwi tactile switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon offers a bright, resonant sound profile and a creamy, bouncy, and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches provide a low-pitched sound profile and stepped, accented tactility. While the two switches differ in terms of sound and feel, they both feature a polished finish that promises reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TKC Kiwi switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback. If someone prefers a bright, resonant sound and a creamy, bouncy feel, the Baby Raccoon would be a good choice. If someone prefers a low-pitched sound and stepped, accented tactile feedback, the Kiwi switches would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, characterized by a resonant, marbly, or high-pitched sound, then the Baby Raccoon is the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a crisp typing feel, akin to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and deliver an immersive typing experience. They are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched or neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches can be described as stepped, accented, or polished, depending on your preference for a tactile switch that feels mild with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, delivers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and offers a sleek typing experience.
To sum up, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best suited for those who value a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. The TKC Kiwi tactile switch, on the other hand, is perfect for individuals seeking a switch with a medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should be based on your desired sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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