Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. In this comparison, we will be looking at two popular linear switches - the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Mint. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. These extraordinary linear switches can be best described as "marbley" and fall under categories such as resonant, high-pitched, and creamy. On the other hand, the Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, attributed to its long pole stem. This switch provides a light and fleeting typing feel and is classified as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them enticing choices. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This common material choice brings several similarities between the two switches. Firstly, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing effect. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual experiences when using both the Baby Raccoon and the KTT Mint.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, these two switches differ in their material choice. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Mint also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound. As a result, both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound experience during typing. This common choice in housing material ensures that users can enjoy the enhanced sound characteristics brought by nylon in both the Baby Raccoon and the KTT Mint.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch have different effects on the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on either the Baby Raccoon or the KTT Mint, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. On the other hand, the top housing will impact the sound when releasing the keys. Despite any differences they may have, both switches provide a comprehensive sound experience by utilizing different housing materials in the top and bottom components.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon also has a heavier force of 63 grams, while the Mint has a lighter force of 53 grams. This means that when typing or gaming on the Baby Raccoon, the keys will require a slightly firmer press and provide a more substantial typing experience. However, if one prefers a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue, the Mint with its lower actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. Both switches fall under the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have differing travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Raccoon falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, with a travel distance closer to 3.0 mm, while the Mint is closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Mint with its longer travel distance. While both switches offer a satisfying feel when pressing down on a key, the slight difference in travel distance allows for individuals to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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 switch is known for its bright and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound. The sound is often described as "marbly," which conveys a solid and resonant quality akin to tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch has a low-pitched and more bass-heavy sound profile with a mellow tone. It is considered neutral overall, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch is known for its creamy and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, resulting in a silky keystroke. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a bouncy and spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound upon pressing. The Mint switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, like the Baby Raccoon switch, the Mint switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch stands out with its bright and resonant sound profile and creamy, bouncy, and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched and mellow sound profile along with a mild, polished typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and cater to different preferences. However, if you are seeking a similar result to the Baby Raccoon switch, the Mint switch can provide a comparable moderate sound profile and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your desired sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great choice for you. These switches are characterized by their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They offer a marbley sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Typing on these switches will provide an immersive auditory experience and a sharp and crisp sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Mint would be more suitable for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. They are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel and a poppy thockiness due to their long pole stem. The Mint switches offer a lighter and fleeting type feel, making them a great choice for those who prefer a gentler typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches provide a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. They offer a clean and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches have a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. They provide a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches are described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. The keys have a lively and spring-like feedback, providing rebound when pressed. These switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The KTT Mint switches, on the other hand, offer a mild and polished feel. They provide a gentle typing experience and a sleek typing sensation due to their smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Mint switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a bright, marbly sound profile with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Baby Raccoon is the way to go. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched sound, and a mild and polished feel, the KTT Mint switches would be a better fit. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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