Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. These extraordinary linear switches can be described as 'marbley' and are categorized as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactility, offering a unique typing experience. It also has a jelly-like sound signature that adds to its appeal. Categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, this tactile switch provides a different sensation while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Medium Tactile switches share similarities in their choice of housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.

Where the switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gateron Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying and immersive typing experience, with the choice of nylon aiding in creating a more substantial and resonant sound profile.

It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings may have different materials in these switches, their impact on the overall sound profile varies. Pressing down on the switch primarily engages the bottom housing, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect similar overall sound experiences from both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Medium Tactile switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to be noted. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Medium Tactile's specific actuation force is unknown. This means that in terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon is lighter. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions, making it suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may opt for switches with heavier forces.

Although the specific actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, it falls within the medium-heavy category for its bottom out force. Despite this difference, it is important to note that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Baby Raccoon being slightly lighter and the Medium Tactile being slightly heavier.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. It is worth noting that 4.0 mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, recently, shorter travel distances have become prevalent, particularly among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Raccoon would be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. In that case, the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Overall, it is important to consider your personal preference and typing style when deciding between these switches, as both will provide similar results in terms of key press feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches will provide you with a clean, sharp sound profile that is reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch does not have a specific sound description provided. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, the sound experience of the Medium Tactile switch may vary depending on these factors.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches have a smooth and buttery feel, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving you a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as invigorating and polished, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. The accented characteristic implies that it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This switch provides a distinct tactile feedback that is not scratchy. The stepped feature indicates that the switch has two stages, providing a more mild tactile experience compared to switches that have a single, larger bump throughout the keystroke. The mild classification suggests that the Medium Tactile switch offers a gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable sound and feel. Similar to the Baby Raccoon, the Medium Tactile switch is also described as polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, while the Medium Tactile's sound characteristics are unknown. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while the Medium Tactile is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. It's important to consider that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. With this information, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences, knowing that the Baby Raccoon will provide a bright and crisp feel, while the Medium Tactile offers a specific tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon offers a bright and resonant sound signature, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble. It also provides a creamy and polished feel, allowing for a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a balanced and jelly-like sound, without providing specific descriptors. Its feel can be described as accented, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Baby Raccoon being slightly lighter at 63 grams compared to the Medium Tactile at 65 grams. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prefer a marbly and resonant sound with a creamy typing sensation, or an accented tactile feel with a balanced sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more