Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available to suit different preferences. Two notable switches worth considering are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, which is attributed to its lengthened switch stems. This switch offers a unique "marbley" experience and falls under categories such as 'Resonant', 'Marbly', and 'High-pitched'. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that provides a moderate level of tactility, perfect for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience. The long, two-staged spring in this switch produces deep, resonating thocks, giving it a distinctly satisfying typing sound. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Snappy', the Aflion Shadow switch offers a different tactile experience compared to the Gateron Baby Raccoon. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that are intended to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, users of both switches can expect similar sound qualities and the option to enhance their typing experience with vibrant lighting effects.
While the top housings of the Baby Raccoon and Shadow (Ink) switches share similarities, their bottom housings differ. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile like its top housing. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound and feel of the bottom-out and key release depending on the switch they choose.
When pressing down on either switch, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can affect different aspects of typing, providing users with options to customize their preferred sound and tactile feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy clear and resonant typing experiences. However, their choice of bottom housing materials varies, with the Baby Raccoon utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) uses polycarbonate for consistency in sound characteristics. By understanding the impact of each housing material on the sound and feel of the switches, users can select the one that aligns with their preferences for both typing and aesthetic purposes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it's notable that both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches. In terms of weight, both switches are considered medium in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. This medium weight is suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. Some individuals may appreciate lighter switches like the Baby Raccoon for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. The Baby Raccoon's 3.6 mm distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial and satisfying feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - for those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance is a suitable option, whereas individuals who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press may find the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch more to their liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. It has a higher-pitched sound profile that offers a clean and sharp auditory experience. The marbly adjective concretizes the sound, as it is reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Both switches share the characteristic of having a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when typing. However, the Gateron Baby Raccoon has a more resonant and marbly sound, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a clacky sound with deep, resonating thocks.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. It has a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a silky sensation and lively rebound. Additionally, the switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. It has a high feedback intensity, with a distinct and prominent tactile bump with each keypress. The switch is known for its responsiveness and liveliness, similar to bouncy switches. Both switches offer a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch excels in sound quality with its resonant and marbly characteristics, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a more clacky sound with deep thocks. However, both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, invigorating, and polished typing experience with its smooth and buttery feel, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharp, snappy, and bouncy tactile feedback. Both switches offer a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic sensation. Overall, newcomers can expect a unique and immersive experience with the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, as they offer distinct qualities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is important to understand their unique characteristics and choose based on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a bright and crisp typing experience with a marbley feel, the Baby Raccoon is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy, bouncy, and invigorating feel, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for you. These switches produce deep and resonating thocks when typing, offering a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are sharp and accented, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. They also offer a snappy and bouncy sensation, making the typing experience feel more alive.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will depend on whether your preference lies in linear switches with a bright and resonant sound profile and a creamy feel, or tactile switches with a clacky sound profile and a sharp and accented tactile bump. Consider your desired sound and typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
