Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Oreo. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that stands out with its bright sound signature and a refreshing crisp feel while typing. This can be attributed to its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a delectable treat for your fingertips. It features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. These switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon is characterized by a resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished nature, the Oreo features an accented, chirpy, and stepped feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 housing materials used in both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Oreo switches are polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice offers several benefits. Firstly, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other plastics. This is due to its relatively stiff nature, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows the lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches.
However, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches. The Baby Raccoon utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Oreo employs polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Oreo adds to the overall sound profile, contributing to a sharper and crisper tone. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, providing a tactile experience when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Oreo switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which improves the sound profile and lends itself well to RGB lighting. However, they differ in the bottom housing material, with the Baby Raccoon incorporating nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper tone. The combination of these materials in each switch results in unique typing experiences, with the qualities of the bottom housing impacting the sound upon pressing the keys, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing them.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Oreo has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation force, it allows for a lighter touch, making it an excellent option for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a slightly heavier keystroke for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Baby Raccoon. Its actuation force, albeit heavier than the Oreo, still falls within the medium range, providing a satisfying push feel.
Regardless of the choice between these two switches, both offer a comparable experience due to their similar actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the level of pressure exerted when bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Oreo has a slightly longer distance at 4 mm, while the Baby Raccoon has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Oreo falls within the traditional range, while the 3.6mm distance of the Baby Raccoon is slightly shallower. This could be beneficial for gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Oreo to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a clean, sharp sound with a higher pitch. It creates an immersive auditory experience, similar to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as chirpy, which means it has a slight squeak to it. This unique acoustic signature sets it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches feel smooth, buttery, and effortless, like gliding your fingers across the keys. They provide a spring-like feedback and a lively feel with rebound. They also offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. It provides a medium level of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. It has a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. Stepped switches have a mild feel compared to hypertactile switches, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch has a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound, while the Oreo switch has a chirpy sound. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while the Oreo switch is accented and stepped, offering a medium level of tactility. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on personal preference. It's important to consider factors such as the desired sound profile and typing experience when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a distinctive sound and feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great choice. These switches are characterized by their bright and marbly sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience. In terms of feel, they provide a creamy and bouncy sensation, allowing for smooth and lively keystrokes. With their lengthened switch stems, the Baby Raccoon switches offer a refreshing and crisp typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Everglide Oreo would be a perfect fit. These switches offer a delectable treat for your fingertips with their crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top. When bottoming out, you'll experience a delightfully cushioned sensation, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, the Oreos have a subtle and mellow sound profile, and they are described as chirpy, setting them apart from other switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Oreo will depend on your preferences for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel you desire. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your personal preferences when making your decision.
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