Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out - the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the TTC Silent Red. The Baby Raccoon is characterized by a bright sound signature and a crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. With a delightful mix of qualities such as being resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, these linear switches offer a truly unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Reds from TTC are the perfect choice. Designed with a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. With a buttery feel and a polished finish, the Silent Reds offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when comparing the top housing of these two switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Baby Raccoon and Silent Red opt for nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from this characteristic, providing users with a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound. Therefore, although the rest of the switch may differ, the bottom housing of these switches provides similar sound qualities.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities brought by each material are divided between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing, in particular, significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in determining the sound when a key is released. This distinction allows users to have a nuanced typing experience with both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Silent Red, as they can appreciate the unique qualities contributed by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Red demands a lighter touch with 45 grams. This implies that the Silent Red switch is more sensitive and responsive, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches require a similar force of 63 grams, providing a consistent and substantial feel. In this aspect, the Baby Raccoon and the Silent Red offer comparable results, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience. It is worth noting that some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Baby Raccoon for a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have fairly similar travel distances, with the Silent Red being slightly longer. In the grand scheme of traditional travel distances, both of these switches fall within the range of what is considered typical. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, some gamers may prefer the Baby Raccoon due to its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter distance can lead to faster response times, which is advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press may lean towards the TTC Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness during typing or gaming activities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of colliding billiard balls. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound experience. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to typical mechanical switches, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch delivers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch offers an invigorating and polished feel, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, allowing for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. They offer a more gentle experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. Similar to the Gateron Baby Raccoon, the Silent Red switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Silent Red linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoons provide a resonant and high-pitched sound, along with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Reds deliver a muted sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the marbly and bright characteristics of the Baby Raccoon or the quieter and more uniform experience of the Silent Red.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and immersive auditory experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the way to go. With its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, typing on these switches will be a delight for the ears. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing feel, providing a silky and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With its muted sound profile, these switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Red offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a seamless and gentle keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and TTC Silent Red switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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