Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that suit their typing style and environment. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its unique characteristics, offering a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing experience. With longer switch stems that lend themselves to a "marbley" feel, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a polished touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura caters to a different audience with its ultra-light, silent operation—ideal for extended typing periods in quiet settings. The gentle feedback and discretion of the Light Sakura make it a favorable choice for users looking to minimize fatigue without disturbing those around them. While both switches offer unique advantages—namely the lively feedback of the Baby Raccoon versus the serene experience provided by the Light Sakura—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Bsun Light Sakura both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate material lends itself to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This similarity means that when the top of these switches is pressed and subsequently released, the sound produced shares a resonant clarity that enhances the RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually and audibly appealing for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie primarily in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which keeps the sound profile sharper and higher-pitched. As a result, while both switches may shine when it comes to clarity and resonance from the polycarbonate top housing, their varying materials at the bottom create distinct profiles. Users of the Baby Raccoon (V2) can expect a rounder sound during bottoming out, while the Light Sakura will provide a brighter sound due to the dominance of polycarbonate throughout.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials affects the tactile experience each switch provides. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in softening the impact with its nylon bottom housing, rendering a more cushioned feel during use. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura maintains a more consistent feel across the switch due to a uniform use of polycarbonate, which may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer and more pronounced keystroke. Thus, while both switches share a similar top housing material that impacts sound clarity, they diverge significantly in the feel and depth of sound produced upon actuation, reflecting the intricate ways materials can influence keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Light Sakura is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Light Sakura more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, as the lower resistance allows for less fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier Baby Raccoon may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches offer distinct characteristics, the Baby Raccoon is the heavier option, while the Light Sakura provides a lighter feel, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable actuation and key feel when using either switch, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent linear response. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that the performance of both switches will be quite alike during typing or gaming, allowing users to select one based on other factors such as sound or feel rather than travel distance alone.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 (V2) is noted for its resonant, high-pitched auditory profile that offers a crisp and clean typing experience. Its sound can be likened to the collision of billiard balls or the sharp tap on a solid piece of marble, creating an immersive auditory sensation that many typists find appealing. On the other hand, details regarding the sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura are not specified, but being a silent switch, it likely emphasizes discretion and a muted typing experience, making it suitable for quieter environments. Consequently, while the Baby Raccoon provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Light Sakura caters to those who prefer or require minimal sound during use.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels with its creamy, bouncy, and invigorating characteristics. This results in a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, combined with a lively and responsive sensation upon actuation. This creates an engaging experience, where each keystroke offers both pronounced feedback and an exhilarating spring-like response. The Bsun Light Sakura, however, lacks specific descriptors that would allow for direct comparison in this category, creating a gap in understanding its tactile performance. Nevertheless, the Light Sakura is anticipated to provide a comfortable feel that is gentle and fatigue-reducing, ideal for long typing sessions, though we can’t quantify that directly.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences within the keyboard-switch ecosystem. The Baby Raccoon stands out with its bright, resonant sound and lively, engaging tactile feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback and an invigorating typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura focuses on functionality and silence, aiming to deliver comfort during extended use without disturbing others. Together, these qualities illustrate the diversity of linear switches available, allowing users to choose based on their individual needs, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual typing preferences and environment. If you crave a more engaging typing experience that's complemented by a bright and energetic sound, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is your ideal match. With its medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a refreshing, marbly feel, it provides an invigorating feedback that many typists find exhilarating, especially during intense writing sessions or gaming. However, if you prioritize a quieter and more subdued typing experience—perhaps for long hours at the office or in shared spaces—the Light Sakura's feather-light feel (only 43 grams bottom out force) and silent operation will serve you better. Its design prioritizes comfort, making it perfect for those who type for extended periods but wish to avoid disturbing others. In short, your decision should align with whether you want an expressive auditory experience and tactile feedback or a tranquil typing environment that promotes comfort and discretion.
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