Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Baby Raccoon switches are well-known for their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. This can be attributed to their lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. The result is a unique "marbley" sensation that enthusiasts often rave about. On the other hand, NovelKeys Cream switches provide a heftier linear typing experience. The deep sound profile they offer is noticeable but not overly pronounced. Described as "buttery" and "textured," they can provide a satisfying and resonant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general characteristics so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different housing materials that contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their unique characteristics, they offer different auditory experiences when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon material, which brings about a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream also has a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique sound. While both housings create a deeper sound, the Cream's POM housing may offer a slightly more muted experience compared to the Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing due to their respective properties.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switches, pressing down on either switch will primarily reveal the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, meaning that the Baby Raccoon's nylon housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller keypress experience. Conversely, the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing will result in a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing will offer a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles depending on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches, both have an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent tactile experience. However, the difference arises when considering the bottom out force. While the Baby Raccoon has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is relatively medium, the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier or medium-heavy. This difference in weight can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Baby Raccoon, enabling them to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may find the NovelKeys Cream to be their preferred choice. Both switches offer similar actuation forces, ensuring consistent performance, but the variation in bottom out force allows users to tailor their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, the Baby Raccoon has a slightly shorter travel distance than the NovelKeys Cream, which may provide an even quicker response for those looking for maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feeling, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 is characterized by a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches will provide an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. The sound can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. While not overly deep, it provides a fairly deep tone, creating a heftier linear typing experience. The Cream switches have a clean and sharp sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, it's 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 switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. The switches are designed to provide a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The creaminess can be attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the keys have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives a pleasant rebound when pressed and enhances the overall typing experience. The Baby Raccoon switch can be described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery and textured typing experience. These switches deliver a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, giving a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The uniformity in each keystroke adds to the overall typing comfort. Some Cream switches may have a subtle texture, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a bit of friction in their typing experience. Additionally, the Cream switch also offers an invigorating feel, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. When considering sound and feel, it's essential to take into account factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, as these can influence the overall switch performance. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that if the desired qualities are similar, both switches can deliver comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-bottom-out force and a unique typing experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a good choice for you. The Baby Raccoon switches are characterized by a bright and resonant sound profile, with a refreshingly crisp typing feel. The longer switch stems contribute to a "marbly" sensation, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom-out force would be a suitable option. These Cream switches offer a deep sound profile, making them stand out from the average linear switch. The Cream switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, termed as "buttery," ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches depends on your preference for typing force, sound profile, and tactile feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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