Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique qualities of various options, such as the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, enhanced by its uniquely longer switch stems, giving it an almost marbley experience characterized by resonance and a polished bounce. This makes the Baby Raccoon an ideal choice for users who relish a vibrant auditory response and a lively feedback during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Perky offers a contrasting yet equally appealing typing experience with its soft, glittery nylon housing, resulting in a neutral and deeply satisfying feel. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky is perfect for those who prefer a more condensed keystroke, providing a clacky and silky touch. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the decision a matter of personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky, a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to polycarbonate's relative stiffness. This material allows for a clear and resonant sound, which is further enhanced by its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material leads to a split auditory experience when typing, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) sounding crisper when a key is released, whereas the Perky gives a more rounded and subdued sound.
However, the bottom housings of both switches present a commonality that influences their auditory characteristics. Both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As mentioned, nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The vinyl's inherent softness plays a crucial role here, leading to a duller bottom-out sound. Therefore, while each switch has different top housing materials that influence the sound when a key is released, they share the same bottom housing material, which harmonizes the overall typing experience by imparting a similar sound depth during key presses.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky are fundamentally different—polycarbonate offering a clear sonic profile and nylon providing a rounder sound—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth of sound during key presses. As a result, users can expect a unique auditory experience when bottoming out based largely on the nylon material, tying both switches together despite the contrast in their top housings. Collectively, this duality in housing materials illustrates how specific characteristics can be manifested and experienced in distinct ways throughout the typing experience of these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, significant differences in force characteristics emerge. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lower force requirement makes the Perky more suitable for users looking for a minimal effort key press, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Raccoon may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their typing experience, lending itself well to more deliberate keystrokes. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Perky would be your best choice, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a medium force ideal for users wanting a balance between comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Baby Raccoon (V2) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky features a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. This means that the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a more pronounced key press experience, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feeling with their keystrokes. Alternatively, the HMX Perky’s shorter travel distance could be more favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times and rapid key actuation. Therefore, if you're after a more responsive feel, the Perky would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate deeper, more deliberate presses may prefer the Baby Raccoon (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky linear switches, the differences are quite noticeable. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a bright and resonant sound profile characterized by high-pitched tones that provide a clean and sharp auditory experience. This switch delivers a sharp, crisp sound when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched acoustic experience over the richer, bassier sounds produced by other switches. In contrast, the HMX Perky offers a clacky sound that is also crisp and bright. The percussive quality of the Perky switches can create an engaging typing environment, albeit with a different texture. Although both types have distinctly different auditory characteristics, they share an overall brightness that will appeal to fans of less muted acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a unique typing experience marked by its creamy, bouncy, and invigorating nature. The combination of a silky smooth finish and a lively feedback sensation makes for a dynamic typing experience, akin to gliding seamlessly across each keystroke. This invigorating feel includes moderate to firm actuation force that keeps the user engaged with each press. On the other hand, the HMX Perky emphasizes a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and minimal resistance. While it may lack the more pronounced feedback sensations of the Baby Raccoon, the Perky's smoothness offers a deeply satisfying typing experience that many users will find appealing. Although both switches prioritize smoothness, the Baby Raccoon feels more sprung and lively, while the Perky leans into a softer, more neutral typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Perky linear switches present unique features that cater to different preferences among typists. The Baby Raccoon (V2) shines in its bright, resonant sound and dynamic, bouncy feel, making it exciting for users who appreciate immediate feedback and heightened auditory stimulation. Conversely, the HMX Perky excels in delivering a polished and silky typing experience with a clacky yet crisp sound signature that is deeply satisfying and neutral. While both switches can produce enjoyable results, your choice may hinge on whether you favor a more lively and dynamic typing experience (Baby Raccoon) or a smoother, more subdued feel (Perky).
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and a uniquely engaging typing experience characterized by a bright sound profile and a marbley feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) would be your go-to option. Its longer switch stems and resonant, high-pitched sound create a lively and refreshing keystroke that can be particularly satisfying for gamers or typists who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a silky-smooth and deeply satisfying keystroke, the HMX Perky switch is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force and polished feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, where ease and comfort are paramount, while its clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element without being overpowering. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you, whether it's sound, feel, or actuation force, and choose accordingly for an optimal typing experience.
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