Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Purple Click offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch characterized by a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. Its lengthened switch stems contribute to its extraordinary "marbley" texture. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its high-pitched and satisfying click. This switch provides light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, striking a perfect equilibrium. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Purple Click switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound when typing. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, allowing for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Both switches share these qualities in their top housing material, resulting in a consistent and pleasing sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Raccoon and the Purple Click switches differ in their choice of material. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Click utilizes the same material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their nylon bottom housings, producing a more muted and resonant sound.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel. Pressing down on a switch allows the qualities of the bottom housing to shine through, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key is primarily impacted by the top housing. With the Baby Raccoon and the Purple Click, users can expect a satisfying bottom-out sound from the nylon bottom housing and a distinct sound when releasing a key from the polycarbonate top housing. This combination offers a well-rounded auditory experience for typists and enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple Click's lighter force of 40 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Raccoon has a heavier force of 63 grams while the Purple Click has a slightly lighter force of 55 grams.
The difference in actuation force between the two switches means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Purple Click more suitable for their needs. The lower actuation force allows for quicker and more effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Baby Raccoon with its heavier actuation force.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches fall into the medium range. This suggests that both switches provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, those looking for a satisfying and substantial typing experience may find either switch to deliver their desired results.
When considering weight as a factor, it's important to note that some individuals prefer a lighter switch to alleviate fatigue during prolonged use, which makes the Purple Click appealing. However, others may prefer a heavier switch to provide a sense of reassurance and a more pronounced key feel, in which case the Baby Raccoon would be a better choice.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more traditional distance and 3.0 mm being the more shallow distance, the Baby Raccoon is slightly shorter than the Purple Click. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a greater sense of depth and feel that the shorter travel distances are too abrupt may opt for the Purple Click with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference when it comes to the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 best known for its bright sound signature that offers a clean and sharp typing experience. The sound profile of this switch is resonant and high-pitched, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is characterized by its satisfying and fairly high-pitched click. The sound of this switch is described as crunchy, resembling stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches offer a resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp sound. However, the Baby Raccoon has a more marbly quality to its sound, while the Purple Click has a crunchier sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is known for its refreshing crisp type feel. It offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation. This can be attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. The Baby Raccoon also provides a bouncy sensation, giving the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback, adding to the overall typing experience. It is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is also characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, it has a stepped feel, meaning it provides a mild tactile experience with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon has a bright and marbly sound with a creamy and polished feel, providing a refreshing and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a satisfying and high-pitched click sound with a crunchy feel, providing an invigorating typing sensation. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches offer resonant sound profiles and invigorating tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a higher-pitched and marbly sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Baby Raccoon is a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a satisfying click sound with a crunchy and invigorating feel, the Purple Click would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a bright sound profile and a crisp typing experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its longer switch stems, it delivers a unique "marbley" feel and produces a resonant and high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfying click and a lighter keystroke, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be more suitable. It offers a fairly high-pitched click sound without being overwhelming and provides a tactile feedback that is pronounced but not too intense. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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