Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that deserve attention are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is characterized by its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This unique feature gives it a distinctive "marbley" quality, setting it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a more subdued experience, with an easy-to-push switch and a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Its type feel and sound profile are notably soft, providing a soothing typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that generates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Moving to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon as the material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a dull and round sound. Therefore, in terms of sound, both the Baby Raccoon and the Meteor White switches will exhibit similar characteristics when it comes to their bottom-out sound and feel.
The top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in the overall sound profile of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing will likely have similar impacts on the sound and tactile experience. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more influential in the sound produced. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon and the nylon top housing of the Meteor White will result in contrasting sound profiles upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable. However, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy or too light.
In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully press the switch down, indicating a slightly heavier touch when compared to the Meteor White, which has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Meteor White switch, as its actuation force is likely to be lower than the Baby Raccoon. This lighter actuation force allows for extended periods of comfortable typing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as office work or long gaming sessions.
However, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the overall typing experience. For those users, the Baby Raccoon's heavier actuation and bottom out force may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke.
Overall, while the specific actuation force of the Meteor White remains unknown, both switches offer medium to medium-light forces. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results can choose either switch based on their personal preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gateron Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses and potentially improved gaming performance. However, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke may lean towards the SP-Star Meteor White with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and the feeling of key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 linear switch is characterized by a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound that can be described as "marbly". It provides an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a more subdued and neutral sound profile. It offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound that is easy on the ears. While not as resonant or high-pitched as the Baby Raccoon, it still provides a satisfying typing experience with a soft "thocky" sound when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and invigorating typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, giving a silky sensation when typing. They have a moderate to firm actuation force and provide pronounced feedback, creating a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the keys have a bouncy and lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a milder and more approachable typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and polished feel. The keys have reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon has a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp marbly sound, while offering a creamy and invigorating typing experience with bouncy and polished keys. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a subdued and neutral sound profile with a soft thocky sound when pressed and released. Its feel is milder and more approachable, providing a polished and gentle typing experience.
If you are looking for a switch with a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy and invigorating feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more subdued and neutral sound profile, along with a milder and approachable feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a suitable option. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Nonetheless, both switches offer their own unique qualities, providing an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon offers a bright and resonant sound profile, with a high-pitched and clean tone. If you enjoy a more immersive auditory experience and prefer a switch with a marbly feel, reminiscent of tapping on solid marble or billiard balls colliding, then the Baby Raccoon is the choice for you. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a more neutral and thocky sound profile, with a moderate actuation force and a deep, satisfying thud-like sound. If you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish, then the Meteor White is the switch to go for. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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