Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Plum. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch, while the Plum is a tactile switch. The Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This switch is often described as "marbley" and falls into categories such as "resonant," "bouncy," and "invigorating." On the other hand, the Plum offers a unique experience with its hefty feel but a minimal tactile bump. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum prioritizes weightiness and tactility separately. Its sound profile is considered neutral and enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Plum, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, when using either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Baby Raccoon and the Plum utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Its softer composition creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, whether you choose the Baby Raccoon or the Plum, you can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound produced while typing.
However, it is worth noting that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will primarily impact the sound when you release a key. This distinction should be taken into account when considering the overall experience and feel of these switches.
In summary, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Plum differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both employ polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a similar sound profile, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound, and nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific attributes desired for typing and sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that they exhibit some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Plum is unavailable. This suggests that the Baby Raccoon may be lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy or too light.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully press the switch down, which can be considered medium as well. On the other hand, the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. For individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Plum switch might be the better option due to its heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Baby Raccoon switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This makes it ideal for keyboard usage during work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel may opt for the Plum switch, as its heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch exhibits a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has an unavailable actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon offering a lighter feel and the Plum providing a more substantial push.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon or the Kailh Plum, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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 known for its resonant and high-pitched profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to the sound of tapping on a piece of solid marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and not overly rich or bassy. It provides a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if a higher-pitched and resonant sound is preferred, the Baby Raccoon is the better choice, while the Plum offers a more neutral and enjoyable sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. The switch's smooth and buttery feeling is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials used. It allows for effortless keystrokes and a gliding sensation when typing. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon provides a lively and spring-like feedback, giving a bouncy feel to every keypress. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild and stepped feel. The mild characteristic provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users. The switch's stepped sensation means that there is a slight pre-travel or post-travel feel, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to hyper-tactile switches. Overall, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy and invigorating typing experience, while the Plum provides a mild and stepped feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch stands out with its unique characteristics. It offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. The switch also offers a creamy and bouncy feel, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes with spring-like feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild and stepped typing experience. While these two switches have their distinct qualities, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences with different emphases.
If a user prefers a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be the recommended choice. However, if a user prefers a more neutral sound profile and a mild and stepped typing experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a suitable option. It is worth noting that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is the way to go. Its lengthened switch stems provide a refreshingly crisp typing feel, giving it a unique "marbley" sensation. The Baby Raccoon is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles, offering an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, this switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished in terms of feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Plum is the better choice. While it may not have a huge tactile bump, it still offers a unique and hefty feel. The Plum has a neutral sound profile, making it enjoyable and suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, it is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Kailh Plum depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the level of bottom out force you desire. Consider the sound and feel descriptors I have provided to determine which switch aligns better with your typing preferences.
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