Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique and desirable qualities to users. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) leaning towards a "marbley" feel and the Salt Ice towards a more energetic and responsive touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, for a consistent sharp and clear sound.
While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housings differ in material and resulting sound characteristics. The Baby Raccoon (V2) with its nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound, creating a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice opts for a consistent polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring its top housing, for a continued sharp and resonant sound. Depending on personal preference, users may lean towards the Baby Raccoon (V2) for a softer typing experience or the Salt Ice for a more consistent sound profile throughout.
When comparing the two switches, it's essential to consider how the qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down keys. On the other hand, the top housing, typically polycarbonate for both switches, influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice will come down to individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Raccoon has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Salt Ice's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Baby Raccoon is also heavier at 63 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon provides a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer different experiences depending on the user's preference for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's clear that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Salt Ice with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Baby Raccoon. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience with their relatively short travel distances, providing users with a quick and precise typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience with a bright sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant feedback and light touch. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps, users can expect a more immersive and energetic typing experience with the Baby Raccoon (V2) and a responsive feel with the Salt Ice.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is often described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback and a refined finish for reduced friction. On the contrary, information on the tactile feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not provided. Users looking for a switch with a silky sensation, lively feedback, and snappy actuation may find the Baby Raccoon (V2) to be a suitable choice based on the available descriptors.
Overall, while both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of brightness and clean sound profiles with the Baby Raccoon (V2) and a vibrant and clacky experience with the Salt Ice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a resonant, marbly sound profile with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished typing feel, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a bright, clacky sound profile with a light touch, then the Salt Ice may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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