Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options you may come across are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Pine. These switches both belong to the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, which can be attributed to its lengthened switch stems. This results in an extraordinary linear switch that can best be described as "marbley." On the other hand, the KTT Pine is known for its translucent, forest green appearance and medium-heavy weight. These switches are buttery smooth and designed to provide an effortless typing experience, thanks to their polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. Both switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Pine, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the main point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing. The Baby Raccoon incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which reinforces the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. It also contributes to the overall resonance and clarity of the switch's sound.
In terms of typing experience, the characteristics of the bottom housing are more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. The Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing, which is the same for both switches, will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, ensuring a consistent and satisfying auditory experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Pine demands a slightly lighter 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, providing a balanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully press down, whereas the Pine necessitates 58 grams. Again, both switches are categorized as medium, indicating a similar level of resistance when it comes to bottoming out.
Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Pine switch more suitable as it demands less force for both actuation and bottom out. This lighter touch allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Baby Raccoon switch. With slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push, resulting in a more tactile and satisfying experience for those who prefer a firmer keystroke.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Pine switches, they both fall within the medium range. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Baby Raccoon offering a slightly heavier typing experience and the Pine providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Pine falls on the longer side with 4 mm, while the Baby Raccoon is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a more traditional feel and depth, the Pine might be the better choice for you. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who require faster response times. In this case, the Baby Raccoon's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. It's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a switch, as some may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, both switches offer different options for those seeking either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 switch is known for its bright and resonant quality. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. They can be compared to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch provides a deeper and richer sound profile due to its bassy nature. These switches produce a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers with ease and experiencing a silky sensation with each keystroke. This smooth and fluid keystroke experience can be attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Pine switches offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon switch excels in providing a bright and resonant sound profile, while also offering a creamy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch stands out with its deeper and richer bassy sound profile, accompanied by a buttery and creamy feel. It is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right switch for one's needs. However, if a user is seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, they can expect comparable experiences by choosing switches with similar descriptors such as creamy or polished.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the choice for you. These switches are characterized by their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. The Baby Raccoon switches provide a marbley and clean sound, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. Moreover, the Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth and buttery experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a low-pitched tone, the KTT Pine linear switch is the better option. These switches are known for their translucent, forest green appearance and medium-heavy weight, delivering an effortless typing experience. With their polished and factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction and offer smooth key travel. Furthermore, the Pine switches provide a buttery and creamy typing sensation, allowing for a seamless and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Pine linear switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches offer medium bottom-out forces, making them suitable for most typists. Whether you are drawn to the resonant and marbley characteristic of the Baby Raccoon or the bassy and low-pitched nature of the Pine, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
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