Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between vastly different options to suit their unique typing preferences. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2), a linear switch, stands out with its long switch stems and bright, crisp sound, offering a typing experience that can be described as "marbley" — smooth yet invigorating, perfect for those who favor a more traditional linear feel without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade employs a hall effect mechanism, providing a bright and clacky sound that elevates the auditory experience while delivering precise actuation for gamers and typists alike. While the Baby Raccoon appeals to users looking for a polished, creamy touch that enhances everyday typing, the Magnetic Jade offers a robust sensation ideal for enhanced performance and superior acoustics. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, but the decision between the two can hinge on specific needs and desires. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, it's essential to note that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance when keys are pressed and released, leading to a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate gives both switches an aesthetic advantage, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as this material effectively diffuses light.
On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon in their bottom housing, which introduces a different character to the overall sound profile. The nylon's softer characteristics result in a deeper and fuller sound, as it is better at absorbing sound waves compared to harder plastics. As a result, while both switches share the same top housing material and sound qualities, they also benefit from the complementary softer texture of nylon in the bottom housing, which helps create a balanced acoustic experience. This dual-material approach ensures that the final auditory output is richer and more layered, combining the impact of both the polycarbonate and nylon components.
In terms of performance, the interaction between the different materials of the top and bottom housings allows each switch to achieve a unique balance in sound and feel. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sharper sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in moderating the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. Consequently, despite their similarities in housing materials, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Gateron Magnetic Jade create nuanced auditory experiences that reflect the characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon. Thus, users can expect a harmoniously blended sound profile that retains clarity while also delivering a satisfying depth.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that caters to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for prolonged use. Consequently, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter switch, while the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the heavier choice. This distinction underscores the importance of personal preference: if you favor ease of typing for extended sessions, the Magnetic Jade may be more suitable, whereas if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a firmer keystroke, the Baby Raccoon (V2) would be the better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Baby Raccoon (V2) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Baby Raccoon (V2) the longer option by 0.1 mm. For those who prefer a deeper key press, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be more appealing, providing a more substantial tactile feedback with its greater travel distance. Conversely, gamers or users seeking quicker response times might lean towards the Magnetic Jade, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Essentially, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would be ideal due to its more abrupt feel, whereas the Baby Raccoon caters to preferences for a robust depth in key presses.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant, and high-pitched quality. Descriptors such as "marbly" and "crisp" encapsulate the auditory experience of these switches, making them ideal for those who appreciate a clean and sharp sound. When typing on the Baby Raccoon (V2), you’ll encounter an auditory environment reminiscent of tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding, which contributes to a lively and enjoyable typing experience. In comparison, while no specific descriptors were provided for the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, it is mentioned to have a "clacky" sound, suggesting that it may present a more percussive tone, which still aligns with an overall bright sound signature likely offering a distinct but engaging auditory feedback during use.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switches shine with their creamy, bouncy, and polished qualities. The smooth and buttery sensation of these switches allows for an effortless gliding motion across the keys, akin to a silky touch. The invigorating feedback provides a dynamic typing experience, where each keystroke feels responsive and spring-like, creating an engaging and energetic typing environment. Unfortunately, no detailed descriptions of the feel or tactile characteristics of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are available, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis of their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch offers a distinct auditory experience with its high-pitched, resonant sound and an engaging tactile feel characterized by creaminess and responsiveness. In contrast, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade may also produce an enjoyable sound, details about its tactile quality remain unknown. If the objective is to achieve a lively typing experience, either switch could contribute positively, but the specific preferences for sound and feel will ultimately guide the best choice for a newcomer.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switches and Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a typing feel that is creamy and invigorating, combined with a sharp, resonant sound that gives a satisfying auditory feedback, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is likely the better fit for you. These switches excel in environments where you appreciate not just a smooth keystroke but also a lively and enjoyable sound signature that adds a layer of richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light actuation force with a bright, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade switches would be more suitable. These switches offer a unique, superior typing experience, particularly on keyboards designed to leverage their hall effect technology, making them ideal for gamers or typists who crave a pronounced, high-pitched auditory experience along with responsive feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much you value sound, tactility, and ergonomics in your daily typing or gaming activities.
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