Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel. With lengthened switch stems, these switches offer a unique "marbley" sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that boasts a big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. It also offers a snappy sound profile. While the Baby Raccoon offers a resonant and invigorating key press, the Polaris Purple offers a neutral and mild feel. These general differences make both switches appealing in their own way. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches using RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, the difference arises in the bottom housing materials of these switches. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. Consequently, this choice maintains the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. In terms of sound, the Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing creates a distinct character compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing.
When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities become more noticeable. The material of the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant effect on the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials results in varying bottom-out sound and overall typing feel.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, leading to similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. However, their differing bottom housing materials create distinct characteristics. The Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone due to its softness. Comparatively, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound associated with polycarbonate. Additionally, the choice of housing materials affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Polaris Purple's value is unknown. However, as both switches fall within the medium range, it can be inferred that they offer a similar push feel when initiating a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Polaris Purple provides a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Consideration of weight is crucial as it affects typing comfort and endurance. For individuals seeking a lighter option, the Baby Raccoon's actuation and bottom out forces make it a suitable choice, especially for prolonged typing sessions and extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a heavier and more substantial keystroke, the Polaris Purple with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be more appealing.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is lighter than that of the Polaris Purple, the difference in bottom out forces gives the latter a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for the typing experience they desire.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see that there is a notable difference. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. With the Polaris Purple offering a 4 mm travel distance, it falls in the realm of the traditional travel distance range. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Depending on personal preference, if one prefers a switch with a shorter travel distance for a more responsive feel, the Baby Raccoon would be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound with clean and sharp characteristics. It can be described as "marbly," which refers to the resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile and is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. Note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy and invigorating typing experience. They provide a smooth and buttery feel, reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switches are also described as bouncy, giving a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with lively key movements. Overall, they offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the Baby Raccoon switches contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a more mild and approachable typing experience. It offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them suitable for a wider range of users. Similar to the Baby Raccoon switches, the Polaris Purple switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a bright and resonant sound profile with a creamy and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a neutral sound profile with a milder and approachable feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and clean sound with a creamy and invigorating typing experience, the Baby Raccoon switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a more moderate sound profile with a milder and gentle typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch would be a suitable option. It's important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a newcomer to mechanical keyboards and are seeking a unique typing experience with a bright sound profile and crisp feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its longer switch stems, these switches are known for their "marbley" sensation and clean, high-pitched sound. The Baby Raccoon offers a creamy and bouncy feel that allows for smooth and effortless typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Polaris Purple provides a satisfying tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, which ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience.
Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages. The Gateron Baby Raccoon is perfect for those who enjoy a bright and resonant sound with a smooth and buttery feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a great choice for individuals who prefer a tactile feedback and a moderate actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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