Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is renowned for its distinctive bright sound signature and crisp typing experience, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. In contrast, the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, offering clear tactile feedback. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) is characterized as 'marbley', the Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their 'clacky' nature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches may seem very similar at first glance, as they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material - the Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound experience.
Despite both switches boasting polycarbonate top housings, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches vary in their approaches to the bottom housings. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing in each switch contribute to a unique typing experience, with the Gateron Baby Raccoon offering a rounder sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a similar depth and fullness in sound. These differences in bottom housing material showcase the nuances in sound that can be achieved through various housing materials, even when the top housing remains the same.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The distinction lies in the bottom housing material, where the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) leans towards a deeper and rounder sound, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a similar experience through its nylon bottom housing. Overall, whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Gateron Baby Raccoon or a fuller sound with the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches deliver a premium typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches both have the same actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and fully press a key down. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, providing a balance between a light touch and a more substantial typing experience. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force for a more robust feeling when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the shorter option compared to the Matcha Green Pro. This means that the Baby Raccoon (V2) may provide a slightly faster response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize quick reactions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users seeking a more responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 characterized by a resonant and marbly sound profile, offering a high-pitched and clean auditory experience when typing. The sound is sharp, crisp, and immersive, akin to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the clashing of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and snappy tone with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Baby Raccoon offering a slightly higher pitch and cleaner sound compared to the Matcha Green Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch presents a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. The switches offer smooth and buttery key presses, elasticity in feedback, pronounced feedback, and a polished finish that enhances the overall typing sensation. Users can expect a silky smooth feel as their fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, providing spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, a refined finish, and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness in typing, giving users a satisfying and tactile experience with each press.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Baby Raccoon leans towards a resonant and marbly sound with a creamy and invigorating feel, the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound pitch, tactile feedback, and smoothness in typing, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired keyboard sensation. In essence, both switches provide high-quality linear options that deliver exceptional performance and satisfaction to users in their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a bright sound signature with a crisp and marbly feel, characterized by a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and a clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize the marbly feel of the Baby Raccoon or the clacky feel of the Matcha Green Pro.
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