Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Luciola. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Raccoon is known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. With lengthened switch stems, these linear switches provide a distinct "marbley" experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are eye-catching with their glow-in-the-dark feature. They offer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a shaken can of spray paint. Each switch has its own appealing qualities that make it desirable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Luciola has a proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Luciola produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as "clacky". Although they have different sound profiles, both materials are suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Luciola utilizes the proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material and typing on switches with nylon housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as "clacky". Both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, albeit with subtle differences in terms of depth and pitch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings of a switch, it becomes evident that they affect different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as it absorbs more sound and contributes to the overall thud or "clack" when a key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound that is produced when a key is released. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch determines the overall sound, with the Baby Raccoon and the Luciola offering unique characteristics in their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we find that they have similar actuation forces of 55 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two. The Baby Raccoon has a bottom out force of 63 grams, slightly heavier than its actuation force, while the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Baby Raccoon provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Luciola, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes the Luciola a suitable choice for those who need to type for extended periods, such as when using a keyboard for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Baby Raccoon with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Luciola linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel a consistent distance traveled by both switches. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key responsiveness when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. The switches are characterized by their lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. This unique design contributes to a sound profile that can be described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. When typing on these switches, users can expect a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, evoking an immersive auditory experience. The Baby Raccoon switches offer a marble-like sensation, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding.
On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its eye-catching glow in the dark feature. In terms of sound, the Luciola switches have a clacky and chirpy sound profile. The sound can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, percussive, marbly, and high-pitched. Similar to the Baby Raccoon switches, the Luciola switches produce a clean, resonant sound that is characterized by a higher pitch. However, the Luciola switches also have a unique chirpy acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding the fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also offer a spring-like or elastic feedback that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In comparison, the Gateron Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished. The switches are super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive due to longer or dual-staged springs. They also offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Baby Raccoon switches, the Luciola switches have a polished finish, which contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Luciola switches differ slightly in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique and desirable features. The Baby Raccoon switches provide a bright sound signature, marbly feel, and a typing experience that is creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the Luciola switches glow in the dark, have a clacky sound profile, and offer a snappy, buttery feel with a polished finish. Depending on personal preferences, one can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch, but with the added benefit of the glow-in-the-dark feature in the Luciola switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, you have two great options to consider: the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Luciola. The Baby Raccoon switches are known for their bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They provide a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switches stand out with their glow-in-the-dark feature and offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel. They have a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a typing experience that is creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished, the Baby Raccoon switches would be a great choice. However, if you're looking for a snappy, buttery, or polished feel, the Luciola switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on your preference for sound and feel, as well as any additional features that may be important to you, such as the glow-in-the-dark aspect of the Luciola switches.
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