Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. On one hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out as a linear switch that offers a unique auditory and tactile experience. With their elongated switch stems, these switches produce a bright sound signature and a "marbley" typing feel that many users describe as invigorating and polished. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a hall effect alternative that delivers a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound profile, offering a satisfying and precise typing experience. Moreover, the versatility of the Rice Pudding switches, particularly their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appeals to users looking for performance and adaptability. While the Baby Raccoons captivate with their vibrant tactile feedback, the Rice Puddings impress with their balanced feel and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Rice Pudding share a commonality in their top housing material, which is made of polycarbonate. This material significantly influences the sound profile of both switches, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to resonate clearly, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for keyboards featuring RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through and create a visually appealing effect. In this regard, both switches would yield similar sound outcomes and aesthetic benefits due to their identical top housing materials.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they are constructed with different materials for their bottom housings. The Baby Raccoon (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic material known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. In comparing this with the Rice Pudding, which also features a nylon bottom housing, both switches will reflect similar sound absorption characteristics and deeper sound profiles in their overall performance.
When engaged, the interaction of sound and feel in each switch is influenced by the blend of materials used in the housings. The Baby Raccoon (V2) and Everglide Rice Pudding will create auditory experiences that draw on the acrylic crispness of polycarbonate in the top and the rich absorption properties of nylon in the bottom. As a result, despite their variations in branding and design, users can expect both switches to exhibit complementary sound profiles. The polycarbonate top enhances the upper frequency response, while the nylon bottom rounds out the sound, thus ensuring a dynamic typing experience regardless of the specific model selected.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 63 grams, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch offers a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its less demanding input effort. Consequently, for those who prioritize a lighter touch, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the ideal choice, whereas users who value a firmer push feel would likely favor the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2).
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) the longer option between the two. The subtle difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the switches during use, with the Baby Raccoon offering a slightly deeper actuation point that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding’s shorter travel distance provides a marginally quicker response time, which could be advantageous for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding feedback and actuation depth, with the Baby Raccoon catering to those who appreciate a fuller press, while the Rice Pudding serves those seeking swift responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 (V2) switches produce a distinctive auditory profile that is bright and resonant, characterized by a high-pitched, crisp sound that is highly engaging. Typing on these switches evokes the notion of tapping on a marble surface, delivering a clean and sharp auditory experience that can be both immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches do not have a specific sound profile detailed, which leaves their auditory characteristics a bit of an unknown. However, it is reasonable to anticipate that their smooth operation may yield a pleasant acoustic experience as well, though it may differ in tonal quality compared to the Baby Raccoons.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switches excel in creating a uniquely creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, while also delivering a lively elastic feedback that brings an invigorating response to each keystroke. The switches are polished, enhancing the smoothness and reducing friction during typing sessions. Conversely, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches is unspecified, meaning we cannot draw direct comparisons to describe their tactile experience. However, one can assume that their blend of smooth operation implies a comfortable typing experience, potentially rivaling the feel of the Baby Raccoon switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switches present a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with their bright sound and creamy, bouncy feel. While the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches remains unknown, the possibility of a satisfying typing experience is still enticing, particularly considering their compatibility with innovative keyboards. Ultimately, typing enthusiasts may find either switch offers a fulfilling experience, but the Baby Raccoons stand out for their crisp sound and polish in tactile feedback, making them a solid choice for those prioritizing these features.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a higher actuation force that provides a medium resistance, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a bright, resonant, and marbly sound profile accompanied by a creamy, polished typing experience. This makes them suitable for typists who want crisp feedback and an invigorating experience while typing, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, the Rice Pudding is ideal, offering a smooth operation and deep, satisfying sound. These switches excel in delivering a balanced typing experience, making them a great option for those who prioritize versatility and comfort. Moreover, if you’re looking for compatibility with innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding's hall effect technology might be the deciding factor for you. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound of the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the lightweight, smooth experience of the Rice Pudding.
Mentioned in this article
