Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Sea Glass, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon switch is known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. With its lengthened switch stems, the Baby Raccoon provides a unique "marbley" experience, making it stand out among linear switches. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a captivating selection of pastel colors, making it aesthetically pleasing. These switches have a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, making typing on them a unique experience. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and easy to press, thanks to their frictionless nature. Additionally, they produce a uniquely hollow sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Sea Glass switches differ in several ways. The Baby Raccoon uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The Sea Glass, on the other hand, features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both switches provide a different sound experience, they both utilize translucent materials in their top housing to enhance RGB lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon incorporates a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend again provides a pleasant sound profile, not particularly sharp but more on the brighter side. The bottom housing of a switch generally has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, and these two switches showcase different characteristics in this aspect.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Sea Glass switches showcase different housing materials and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pleasant sound that leans towards the brighter side. While they have their distinctions, both switches feature translucent top housings, making them suitable for RGB lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force and bottom out force. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force required.
If weight is a consideration, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sea Glass switch at 45 grams, as this allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This can be particularly beneficial when using the keyboard for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Baby Raccoon switch with its slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a similar value, with the Baby Raccoon at 63 grams and the Sea Glass at 62 grams. This means that whether typing on the Baby Raccoon or the Sea Glass switch, the user will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Durock Sea Glass switches may vary slightly, they both fall within the medium force range. Users can expect a comparable typing experience, with the choice between the two switches coming down to personal preference for a lighter or stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may seem insignificant to some, but it could make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Baby Raccoon offers a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp sound profile, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, but detailed information about its sound qualities is unknown. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
As for the feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy and invigorating typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation of these switches creates a gliding effect that makes each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, the bouncy feedback gives a spring-like rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. They require little exertion from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended periods of typing.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Durock Sea Glass switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Raccoon switches are resonant, marbly, and provide a creamy and invigorating typing experience, the Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature and a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. It's important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is suitable for one's typing style. If a user prefers a higher-pitched sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Baby Raccoon switches would be a great choice. However, if they prefer a hollow sound and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, the Sea Glass switches would be a better fit. Ultimately, the user's personal preference and context of use will dictate which switch is the best option to achieve their desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice. With its longer switch stems, these switches provide a refreshingly crisp typing experience with a clean and resonant sound profile. The Baby Raccoon switches can be described as marbly, offering a higher-pitched sound and a smooth and buttery feel like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a distinct dryness and airiness in sound, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations and emit a uniquely hollow sound signature. The Sea Glass switches are known for their frictionless nature and offer a frictionless and effortless typing experience. They can be described as feathery, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Durock Sea Glass linear switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a bright and resonant sound with a creamy and invigorating feel or a dry and airy sound with a frictionless and feathery feel, both switches offer a delightful typing experience.
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