Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon boasts a distinctive bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing experience, thanks to its unique lengthened switch stems. With a label of "marbley," these extraordinary linear switches offer a combination of resonate, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 presents a delightful gummy-like sensation with its deep and muted sound profile, providing a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. Categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished, these switches offer a different aesthetic and tactile experience. However, let's explore these switches further to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron North Pole V2 share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for enhanced aesthetics, ensuring translucency for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clear and resonant sound with visually appealing lighting effects, both the Baby Raccoon and North Pole V2 are excellent choices.
Where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the stiffer nature of this material. As a result, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing qualities play a significant role. The impact and sound when bottoming out the keys will be influenced by the bottom housing material. So, if you prefer a switch that provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the Baby Raccoon with its nylon bottom housing will be the more suitable option. On the other hand, the top housing material, shared by both switches, comes into play when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron North Pole V2 employ different bottom housing materials, which influence the typing sound. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for clear and resonant sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Consider your preference for the typing sound, particularly the impact and release, when choosing between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier requirement of 63 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Consideration of weight is crucial for individuals who have different preferences in typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Baby Raccoon could be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force may be especially desirable for individuals who use keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the North Pole V2 offers a heavier actuation force. This heavier force may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback to these users.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, the overall comparison showcases how the Baby Raccoon offers a lighter touch experience, while the North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier and more substantial feel. Both switches fall within a similar range, ensuring that users can achieve their preferred typing experience, albeit with slight variations in force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the North Pole V2 offers a deeper press compared to the Baby Raccoon. The 4 mm travel distance of the North Pole V2 is more traditional and provides a more satisfying depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Baby Raccoon is shorter, making it more suitable for those who prioritize faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Baby Raccoon is the better option, while if you prefer a deeper and more hearty press, the North Pole V2 would be the go-to choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and similar to the tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. This bright sound signature adds a distinct character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The deep and muted sound profile of the North Pole V2 contributes to a more relaxed typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. The creamy aspect indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, potentially due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch provides a silky sensation, as if gliding effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The bouncy feedback gives a spring-like or elastic sensation, offering a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the invigorating nature of the switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The polished attribute signifies a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
In comparison, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch shares some similarities with the Baby Raccoon. It also has a creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to gliding across the keys with ease. The bouncy feedback provides that spring-like or elastic sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The polished characteristic indicates a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. However, the North Pole V2 distinguishes itself with its gummy feel. When bottoming out on this switch, it provides a unique typing experience, reminiscent of bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This adds another layer of tactile feedback and enjoyment to the typing experience.
To conclude, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a bright and high-pitched sound profile along with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile, a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, and a distinct gummy typing sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience. If you prefer a bright and resonant sound with a marble-like typing feel, the Baby Raccoon is a great choice. If you prefer a more subdued sound with a creamy feel and enjoy the additional gummy typing sensation, the North Pole V2 is an excellent option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are characterized by their marbley sensation, which is achieved through the lengthened switch stems. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, they provide a medium actuation force that feels creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. In terms of sound, Baby Raccoon switches offer a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched profile, creating an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch should be your go-to option. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy actuation force. The North Pole V2 switches offer a gummy typing experience that feels creamy, bouncy, and polished. In terms of sound, they provide a subdued profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound compared to most switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches depends on your preference for the sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard. Consider whether you prioritize a bright and immersive auditory experience with a refreshingly crisp typing feel (Baby Raccoon), or a deeper and more muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel (North Pole V2). Both switches provide a range of qualities such as creamy, bouncy, and polished sensations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
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