Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch. The Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. These linear switches can be best described as "marbley," offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock provides a gentle tactility that sets it apart from sharper tactile switches in the market. Typing on these switches feels angelic, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. While these are just brief generalities, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to help you determine the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both switches provide a clear and resonant sound profile, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
In terms of their bottom housing, the Baby Raccoon features a nylon material, while the Light Tactile also incorporates nylon in its construction. Nylon is known to produce a more deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound experience when pressed down. This characteristic makes them appealing to users who desire a quieter typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings may differ for each switch, the impact of these materials on the overall performance is distinct. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable during use. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a difference in tactile feedback and sound depending on which part of the switch is predominantly engaged.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Both switches also utilize nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. The distinction lies in the specific impact each housing material has on the overall typing feel and sound output. Whether you choose the Baby Raccoon or the Light Tactile, you can expect a combination of these qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 52 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Light Tactile has a heavier force of 67 grams in contrast to the Baby Raccoon's 63 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to fully press down compared to the Baby Raccoon. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Baby Raccoon, while those looking for a more solid and weighted feel may gravitate towards the Light Tactile. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for key actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Raccoon falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive and faster typing experience, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Light Tactile provides a slightly deeper and more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as some may find the shorter travel distance of the Baby Raccoon too abrupt, while others may appreciate its responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. The Baby Raccoon switches can be described as marbly, resembling the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, making it accessible to beginners and advanced users alike. It is worth mentioning that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Although the Baby Raccoon and Light Tactile switches have different sound qualities, they both provide enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, with ease of key press and effortless keystrokes resembling gliding across the keys. They also have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a sense of rebound when pressed. Additionally, Baby Raccoon switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy feel that creates an immersive typing experience. The switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentler sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both the Baby Raccoon and Light Tactile switches provide pleasant and comfortable typing experiences, catering to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile along with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a unique and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild tactile experience with a polished finish for a sleek and refined typing experience. While these switches have their own characteristics, they both provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with different nuances.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing needs. The Baby Raccoon is best suited for those who enjoy a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. With its lengthened switch stems, these linear switches provide a marbley sensation that can be likened to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a super gentle tactility, providing an angelic feel and a jelly-like sound signature. These switches are a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches on the market. If you prefer a switch with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Baby Raccoon is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more neutral and moderate sound profile, the Light Tactile switch is a suitable choice. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience, while the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, it's important to consider your personal preferences when selecting between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your typing style.
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