Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can make all the difference in your typing experience. Two switches that stand out in the market are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Phoenix. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that offers a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. This is achieved through 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 Phoenix is a clicky switch that features an under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available. It offers a crystalline and sparkling typing feel and sound profile. While the Baby Raccoon focuses on delivering a resonant and invigorating typing experience, the Phoenix offers a crunchy and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Phoenix both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Therefore, users of both switches can expect similar results when it comes to sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon material while the Phoenix sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to being a softer plastic. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will differ, with the Baby Raccoon offering a more rounded sound and the Phoenix delivering a more pronounced impact.
In terms of typing experience, the choice of bottom housing material becomes crucial. The Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix allows for a clearer and resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, releasing a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches, providing a consistent and satisfying sound regardless of the bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the exact value for the Phoenix is not available. This means that the actuation force of the Phoenix switch may be lighter, heavier, or similar to the Baby Raccoon, depending on the specific value.
Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches have a medium level of resistance. The Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully bottom out, while the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Therefore, both switches provide a similar level of resistance when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In this regard, if the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is lighter or similar to the Baby Raccoon, it could be a suitable choice for those seeking a lighter feel. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, if the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is heavier, it may be a better option for those seeking a heavier keystroke experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch may vary, their bottom out forces are similar. The choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences, with the Baby Raccoon providing a known medium level of resistance and the Phoenix offering potential variations in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is evident that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Phoenix's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers especially favor shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Phoenix with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the more suitable option. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the Baby Raccoon with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice. Overall, both switches offer similar results due to their proximity in travel distance, allowing for efficient and tactile typing experiences.
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 Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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 best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The marbly adjective in the context of keyboard switches can be compared to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. This gives the Baby Raccoon switches a refreshing and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy. These clicky switches sound like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Baby Raccoon provides a resonant and high-pitched sound, while the Phoenix focuses on a crunchy sound sensation.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to the sensation of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively and bouncy feel. The Baby Raccoon switches are designed to offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch each offer their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switches provide a bright sound signature with a resonant and high-pitched profile, offering a refreshing and crisp auditory experience. They also offer a creamy, bouncy, and invigorating typing feel with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Phoenix switches excel in providing a crunchy sound sensation and a polished typing feel for a sleek and smooth experience. While they differ in certain subjective qualities, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results, either of these switches can be a great choice depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix is an excellent choice. The under-skirt click mechanism sets it apart from other clicky switches, creating a satisfying and crunchy typing experience. Additionally, the Phoenix offers a polished switch finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch with a bright sound signature and crisp type feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great option. With its resonant and marbly sound profile, it provides an immersive and high-pitched auditory experience. The Baby Raccoon features a creamy and bouncy typing feel, allowing for smooth gliding across keys and providing a lively rebound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your preference for clicky or linear switches and the specific sound and feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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