Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Oil King, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Baby Raccoon is known for its unique characteristics, boasting a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. This can be attributed to its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. The result is a switch that can be best described as "marbley." On the other hand, the Oil King has its own set of impressive qualities. Users praise its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that evokes the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. While the Baby Raccoon showcases a resonant, high-pitched feel, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and creamy experience. Both switches have a polished finish, adding to their overall appeal. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Oil King are quite different. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Oil King has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Baby Raccoon offers a vibrant and lively sound, the Oil King provides a more mellow and soothing typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Baby Raccoon and the Oil King use nylon as the material of choice. This material offers a similar impact on the sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller tone. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing adds to the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying and immersive sound profile for both the Baby Raccoon and the Oil King.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gateron Oil King have different material compositions, they contribute in different ways to the overall sound profile. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim for an enjoyable typing experience. Whether enjoying the sharp and resonant sound of the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate or the clacky and pointed sound of the Oil King's proprietary INK blend, users can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are slight differences to note. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, ensuring a consistent and responsive keystroke activation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force, while the Oil King necessitates 65 grams. This makes the Oil King slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Baby Raccoon switch, as its bottom out force is relatively lower. This lighter force can provide comfort during long typing sessions and gaming marathons. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial push feel may find the Oil King switch suitable for their preferences. Its slightly heavier bottom out force can deliver a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Overall, the actuation force remains the same for both switches, ensuring consistent keystroke activation, while the variation in bottom out force allows users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience. Whether a lighter or heavier force is favored, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron Oil King switches provide options to cater to individual preferences and enhance overall typing satisfaction.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Oil King has a longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 is the most shallow. However, both the Baby Raccoon and Oil King switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Baby Raccoon a popular choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer switches with more depth, making the Oil King a suitable option for them. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. This switch delivers a clean and sharp sound profile when typing, offering an immersive auditory experience. The marbly adjective used to describe the Baby Raccoon further emphasizes its resonant and high-pitched nature, resembling the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as low-pitched and bassy. It offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches, creating a deeper and richer sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Oil King linear switches share some similarities. Both switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This luxurious sensation is often attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on either of these switches provides a silky sensation, with your fingers effortlessly gliding across the keys. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Oil King linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon is characterized by a bright and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy and polished typing sensation. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, creating a deeper and richer auditory experience. Its typing feel is also creamy and polished, ensuring a smooth and buttery key-pressing experience. Both switches provide a luxurious and refined typing experience, albeit with their unique characteristics. Therefore, depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can expect similar results of smooth and polished typing, while experiencing the distinct qualities offered by each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a brighter, more resonant sound profile and a crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems, you can expect a unique "marbley" sensation when typing, reminiscent of tapping on solid marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon offers a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a balanced typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a darker, smoother sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches are known for their buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Oil King offers a slightly heavier typing feel compared to the Baby Raccoon.
Overall, the decision between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gateron Oil King switches ultimately comes down to your personal preference in sound and typing feel. Whether you prefer a brighter, more resonant feel with the Baby Raccoon or a smoother, darker experience with the Oil King, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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