Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to its longer switch stems. These extraordinary linear switches are often described as "marbley" and fall under categories like resonant, high-pitched, and bouncy. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have a crisper typing experience due to the absence of a rubber dampener, while still boasting the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a frictionless typing feel. Gateron has ensured that these switches retain their seamless glide and smoothness, falling into categories like polished, creamy, and frictionless. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron New North Pole V2 bear several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their switch setup.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their materials. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 opts for polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 aligns with the top housing in terms of creating a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and clear resonance.
Ultimately, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials reflects in the typing experience. Pressing down on either switch will emphasize the qualities of the respective bottom housing material, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key will be influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share similarities in their top housing materials, the differences in their bottom housing materials provide an opportunity for distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find that both switches have a similar level of force required to trigger a keystroke. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is slightly heavier at 55 grams, whereas the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly lighter force of 50 grams. However, the difference is minimal and both can be considered medium in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires a force of 63 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams. Again, the difference is quite minor. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon being slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Raccoon's travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference – if you value quick and responsive key presses, the Baby Raccoon is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience, the New North Pole V2 would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches will provide a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has not been mentioned in the available information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch can be characterized as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials. Typing on them will give a silky sensation, as if effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, they provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, allowing for a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Baby Raccoon switches also offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, contributing to an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is also described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. It provides a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 switches offer a silky sensation like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, similar to the Baby Raccoon switches. Moreover, they are described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized by a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. Its longer switch stems contribute to a marbly sound and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, although lacking specific details on sound, maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. While both switches are described as having a polished and creamy feel, providing smooth and refined keystrokes, the Baby Raccoon offers a bouncier and invigorating typing experience. However, due to the shared qualities of being polished and creamy, users can expect a similar smooth and buttery typing experience from both switches. Overall, each switch offers its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are excellent options. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. It offers a resonant and marbly sound profile, which is clean and sharp. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is characterized by its frictionless typing feel, ensuring a seamless glide and smoothness. Without a rubber dampener, it offers a crisper typing experience. While we don't have specific information about its sound profile, it retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. In terms of feel, it shares similarities with the Baby Raccoon, as it is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron New North Pole V2 depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and resonant sound profile with a creamy and invigorating typing feel, the Baby Raccoon would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy experience, the New North Pole V2 might be more suitable for you. Consider your personal preferences and prioritize what aspects are most important to you in order to make an informed decision.
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