Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Cherry MX Brown. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch, renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. This can be attributed to its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. It offers a resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that delivers a subtler typing experience. With gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, these switches provide a relatively light and textured typing experience, with bassy and low-pitched characteristics. Both switches offer unique advantages, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Cherry MX Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Brown has a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the MX Brown produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the Baby Raccoon.
Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound characteristic. Therefore, the bottom housing material does not differentiate the Baby Raccoon from the MX Brown in terms of sound profile.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material for the top or bottom housing of a switch affects the sound and feel differently. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, as it has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon and the nylon top housing of the MX Brown will have varying impacts on the sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the MX Brown requires a lighter 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon is also slightly heavier at 63 grams, while the MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it lighter.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter feel would lean towards the MX Brown switch, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Baby Raccoon switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel.
It is important to note that in terms of actuation forces, both switches fall within the medium range. Although the MX Brown is lighter, those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force would still find a similar typing experience with the Baby Raccoon. Additionally, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, so the overall feel of pressing all the way down would be comparable.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, making it the heavier option. However, those seeking a lighter feel may find the MX Brown more suitable, while those who prefer a stronger push feel would opt for the Baby Raccoon. Nonetheless, both switches provide a similar medium typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it can be observed that the Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Brown falls within the range of the most traditional travel distances, while the 3.6 mm distance of the Baby Raccoon is considered relatively short. These shorter travel distances have become popular among gamers due to their ability to provide faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the Gateron Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel, the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown may be preferable. It is worth noting that both switches offer similar results, with the only notable distinction being the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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 Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is well-known for its bright and crisp sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, resembling the tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a more subdued audio feedback. It offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. The sound produced by MX Brown switches is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch offers a range of subjective qualities. It is often described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This sensation is achieved either through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch is known to be bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback. It provides a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Another quality of the Baby Raccoon switch is its invigorating feel. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The switch can also be described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is characterized as textured or scratchy. This means it has noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience, while others may opt for a smoother, friction-free feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, it is important to note that both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a resonant and marbly sound profile with a range of feels, including creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a subtler audio feedback with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a bright and crisp typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. These switches are characterized by their marbley feel and resonant sound, which can provide an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, if you prefer a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished feel when typing, the Baby Raccoon offers a variety of options to suit your preferred typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you value subtlety and a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a more subdued audio feedback and are known for their bassy sound profile. If you prefer a textured feel when typing, the MX Brown switch provides a noticeable friction that some users may find preferable.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider which qualities are most important to you in a switch, whether it be the bright and crisp nature of the Baby Raccoon or the subtlety and gentle tactility of the MX Brown. By taking into account your preferences, you can make an informed decision on which switch will best enhance your typing experience.
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