Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its longer switch stems. Described as "marbley," it offers a resonant and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide is praised for its clacky sound signature and smooth typing feel, with a light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Although both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Lightning Silver V3 has a polycarbonate bottom housing.
While the Baby Raccoon (V2) boasts a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing by providing a sharper and clearer sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases a unique blend of sound characteristics in each switch, catering to different preferences of typists. The impact of the bottom housing material can be felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing in both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, accentuated by their translucency for RGB lighting effects. However, the differences in bottom housing materials offer distinct qualities in sound production, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) providing a deeper and fuller sound through its nylon bottom housing, contrasting the Lightning Silver V3's sharper and clearer sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing. Typists can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are both in the medium range, with slight variations in weight. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Lightning Silver's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams, whereas the Lightning Silver only needs 60 grams. Both switches provide a balance between a light touch for extended typing sessions and a more substantial typing experience. So, in terms of overall feel, users are likely to get similar results from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference on whether one prefers a slightly lighter or heavier touch while typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has the shorter travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon (V2). The difference may seem minimal, but for users who prioritize quicker response times, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the preferred option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Baby Raccoon (V2) with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of functionality, with the main difference being the feel of the key press based on the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 (V2) linear switch is best known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience akin to tapping on solid marble or the clinking of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches provide a distinct sound experience, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) offering a more resonant and marbly tone, while the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, giving users a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback and a refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a unique tactile feel, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) offering a more varied feedback with its bouncy and invigorating qualities, while the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on delivering a silky smooth typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, users can expect a different sound and feel experience with each switch. The Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a resonant and marbly sound profile with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing feel, providing a unique and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 presents a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing with minimized resistance. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and customized keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you value a bright and refreshing sound with a crisp typing feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) with its marbly sound profile and creamy, invigorating feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could offer the perfect combination for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, so choose the switch that best resonates with your individual tastes and needs.
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