Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances of each option can significantly affect your typing experience. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its distinctive bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, largely attributed to its unique 0.64mm longer switch stems that create a "marbley" sensation. Known for their resonant, bouncy, and polished characteristics, these switches deliver an invigorating experience that appeals to those who appreciate a tactile yet smooth actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight feel with an all-POM construction, striking a balance between affordability and quality. Featuring a thocky sound profile, the Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while maintaining a fluid typing experience. Both switches appeal to different user preferences—whether you crave the lively, resonant feel of the Baby Raccoons or the whispering smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing configurations. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to its clear and resonant characteristics, which is particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which yields a deeper, more muted sound profile. The POM's inherent properties produce a different auditory experience, emphasizing a smoother and less pronounced sound than that of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches offer some similarities, as the Baby Raccoon (V2) employs a nylon housing while the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM. The nylon used in the Baby Raccoon (V2) generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its relative softness. This soft plastic contributes to a rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing, while differing in material, also produces a pleasing and muted sound profile that aligns more with the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, while the bottom housing materials contrast, they both evoke a deeper sound, suggesting that they may elicit similarly dulcet tones despite their different compositions.
The divergent acoustic and tactile experiences created by the top and bottom housings in these switches offer insight into how each component contributes to the overall performance of the keys. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) pairs a crisp and resonant polycarbonate top with a deep and full nylon bottom, the Sea Salt Smoothie combines a muted POM top with a likewise subdued bottom. This blend results in a more muted sound profile in both switches when pressed, however, their top housings distinctly alter the sound and feel during the release of a pressed key. Ultimately, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Sea Salt Smoothie might present contrasting materials, the sophistication in each housing’s sound profile positions both switches to deliver enjoyable experiences for different preferences in mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force. The Baby Raccoon (V2) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter at 48 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie may be preferred by users who favor a lighter typing experience, potentially making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, where reduced finger fatigue is a benefit. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon (V2), with its medium actuation and bottom out force of 63 grams, offers a more substantial feel that some users may find preferable for its tactile feedback. The bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, which adds an element of uncertainty when assessing its overall force dynamics. Ultimately, individuals seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those desiring a heavier typing experience may find the Baby Raccoon (V2) to be more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Baby Raccoon (V2) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may suit you better due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more depth in your key presses, you might find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing with its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches are within a similar range, the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a slightly shorter and more agile typing experience compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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) showcases a bright and resonant audio profile characterized by its high-pitched, marbly quality that provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. This sound is reminiscent of the collision of billiard balls or the distinct tap of marble, inviting an engaging and immersive typing environment. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is less clearly defined, leaving aspects of its acoustic qualities unknown. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycap materials used, suggesting similar results could be achieved in other factors that may enhance or dampen the switch sounds.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers an exceptionally creamy tactile sensation, characterized by smooth and buttery action that may be amplified by factory lubrication and the materials used. The switch feels bouncy and invigorating, delivering a lively typing experience with a pronounced feedback that responds quickly to each keystroke. The polished nature of this switch further reduces friction, making the keystrokes feel effortless and refined. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is currently unknown, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons on the tactile experience provided by this switch.
In summary, while the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its bright, resonant sound and a smooth, engaging tactile experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a mystery in terms of its auditory and tactile characteristics. Should the Sea Salt Smoothie offer a comparable acoustic or tactile performance, both switches could cater to enthusiasts seeking different linear switch experiences, but the Baby Raccoon (V2) currently takes the lead in defined sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, for those looking to explore these switches, the Baby Raccoon (V2) promises an engaging typing experience rich in both auditory pleasure and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you gravitate towards a typing experience that is crisp and bright, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is your go-to option. Its notable 63-gram bottom-out force combined with its lengthened stems creates a unique, marbly sensation that is both invigorating and polished, delivering a high-pitched sound that can elevate your auditory experience. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a lively, feedback-rich feel and appreciate a resonant sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a thocky sound while maintaining quality without breaking the bank, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better fit for you. Although its bottom-out force is less clearly defined, the switch is designed to provide a delightful typing experience that is a bit more subdued compared to the Baby Raccoon, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions where you desire minimal fatigue and a plush feel. Therefore, assess what aspects of typing you value most—if it’s a bright auditory experience with a lively tactile sensation or a smooth, cushioned feel—before making your decision.
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