Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its distinctively bright sound and crisp typing feel, thanks to its slightly longer switch stems that provide a “marbley” sensation that many users find invigorating and polished. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound quality, designed specifically to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, showcasing a different technological approach that contributes to a smoother, quieter operation. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) might appeal to those who enjoy a responsive and textured typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE caters to users who prefer a more refined and subdued auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE switches discernibly differ in their top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles during use. The Baby Raccoon (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize a vibrant auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the lights. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a much softer sound. This housing material absorbs sound waves, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which tends to create a warmer auditory feedback during typing. The stark difference in material properties between polycarbonate and nylon thus shapes the user experience in terms of sound clarity and warmth.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, they converge in their construction as both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and Neo Lavender HE feature nylon bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's natural ability to absorb sound. Consequently, when the switches are activated, the bottom-out feel and sound will be similar between the two. This creates a consistent depth in auditory feedback during key presses regardless of the differences found in their respective top housings. As such, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience in terms of the sound produced when the key is fully depressed.
Overall, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Neo Lavender HE differ significantly in their top housing materials—one favoring a clearer, more colorful sound profile with polycarbonate and the other emphasizing a deeper, warmer tone with nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing will yield comparable qualities in terms of feel and sound upon bottoming out. For users who appreciate a clearer disengagement sound combined with a full, muffled bottom out, the combination of these materials in either switch can offer a well-rounded typing experience. Thus, enthusiasts can find common ground despite the differences, allowing for a dynamic range of auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, a clear distinction in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Baby Raccoon (V2) boasts an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended use or more agile gameplay might gravitate towards the Lavender HE. In contrast, those who seek a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may prefer the heavier Baby Raccoon (V2). Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose in different typing experiences, the Baby Raccoon provides a more resistant tactile feedback, whereas the Lavender HE caters to those desiring ease and speed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find that the Baby Raccoon (V2) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Lavender HE provides a bit more depth, potentially catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Therefore, if a user prefers a more responsive feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a heartier press might lean towards the Neo Lavender HE.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the distinctions are quite pronounced. The Baby Raccoon (V2) produces a bright, resonant, and high-pitched sound, often described as marbly, evoking the sound of billiard balls colliding or tapping on a piece of solid marble. This crisp auditory experience is ideal for those who appreciate a clean and sharp typing sound. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is known for its clean, low sound profile, which may provide a subtler auditory feedback experience. While both switches deliver unique sound characteristics, the Baby Raccoon (V2) notably caters to users seeking a more engaging and higher-pitched typing experience, whereas the Lavender HE presents a quieter, more subdued option.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels with a creamy and polished typing experience that ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Its bouncy and invigorating nature provides a lively, spring-like feedback with a snappy actuation that many typists find thrilling. This combination makes it feel both smooth and responsive, cultivating an immersive typing sensation. The specifics of the feel for the Neo Lavender HE switch remain unknown; thus, a direct comparison cannot be made. However, if the NEO Lavenders exhibit any similar qualities, one could speculate they would also deliver a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a distinctly bright sound and a smooth, lively feel that many typists find appealing. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE differentiates itself with a clean, low sound, although its tactile feel is less defined in available information. For those who appreciate the high-pitched, resonant sound and creamy feedback of the Baby Raccoon (V2), the choice is clear. However, if one seeks a more subdued auditory experience, the Lavender HE might be worth exploring, pending unknown qualities about its feel. Each switch delivers unique experiences, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams and a typing experience characterized by a bright, resonant sound signature combined with a marbly feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) will likely appeal to you. Its high-pitched sound and creamy, polished feel provide an invigorating typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile response and an immersive auditory environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force and a cleaner, subtler sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice. Its low sound signature makes it suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards offers additional versatility. Thus, ultimately, your decision should boil down to whether you prioritize a rich, engaging auditory experience and a firmer typing feel or a lightweight, quieter option for a smoother, more understated input method.
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