Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, attributes achieved through its lengthened switch stems. In a word, these switches can be described as "marbley", offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases the beauty of a linear switch with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This combination provides a buttery smooth typing experience that is often described as "lovely". While both switches have their merits, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiff nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, allowing for an enhanced typing experience. Additionally, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate is perfect for those who want to showcase RGB lighting in their keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing the top housing of these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Baby Raccoon and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys on both switches. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing a satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the two switches, the difference in materials between their top and bottom housings becomes evident. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon allows for a balanced and dynamic typing experience. Users can enjoy the crispness and clarity provided by the polycarbonate top housing, while also benefiting from the deeper and fuller sound offered by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is slightly heavier at 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall into the medium range, offering a balanced feel for most users. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon again has a higher force of 63 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter at 53 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon switch. The lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for tasks such as work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel might opt for the Baby Raccoon switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out force provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. However, it's important to note that both switches deliver a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, meaning that regardless of the specific choice, users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Raccoon switch.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional and commonly used distance, while a travel distance of 3.6 mm falls on the shorter side. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making it ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with longer travel distances for a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, if you prioritize faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback, the Baby Raccoon switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option. Both switches have their merits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 and crisp sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a resonant, high-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. This sound profile is clean and sharp, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which makes them suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch is characterized by a creamy and bouncy typing experience. The switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. These switches are also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon switch stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon switch offers a bright and resonant sound profile with a creamy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, based on the available information, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with the Baby Raccoon and Sea Salt Lemon switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great choice. These switches are known for their bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. With a resonant and marbly sound profile, the Baby Raccoon offers a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience. Additionally, it provides a creamy and invigorating feel, giving you a smooth and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. These switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to their progressive spring and dry-lube design. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for most intents and purposes. While it may offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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