Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g each offer unique experiences for users, appealing to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its distinctively bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, highlighted by its longer switch stems that deliver a “marbley” sensation, making each keystroke feel invigorating and polished. This switch is perfect for those who thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a serene and quiet keystroke, offering a whisper-like sound reminiscent of raindrops, thanks to its meticulously designed mechanics. With a balanced bottom-out force, this switch caters to typists seeking a lighter touch without compromising satisfaction during long typing sessions. Both switches boast desirable qualities, but each serves distinct user needs; 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly enhanced by the use of polycarbonate, which permits a resonant sound and allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and known for absorbing sound. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a rather duller auditory experience that resonates differently with keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences continue to play a crucial role in shaping the switches' overall feel. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the deeper, rounder sound profile that characterizes nylon materials. By contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes a crisper and more resonant sound. This creates a layered auditory experience, where the bottom-out sound is impacted more by the bottom housing, and the release sound is shaped by the top housing. As such, the Baby Raccoon will provide a softer landing while the Silent Sakura will produce a sharper auditory feedback when keying in and releasing.
In summary, while both housing materials contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of each switch, the impact is split between the top and bottom characters. Users comparing the two will notice that the Baby Raccoon leans towards a sharper sound when letting go of a key due to its polycarbonate top and a fuller sound with the nylon bottom when pressed down. Conversely, the Silent Sakura achieves a softer release sound due to nylon on top and a crisper bottom sound with polycarbonate underneath. However, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, providing unique benefits that cater to different user preferences, highlighting the importance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch differ notably in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This makes the Silent Sakura significantly lighter, which may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort for each keystroke. Conversely, the heavier Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter option, the Silent Sakura is the clear choice, while those seeking a more robust switch might opt for the Baby Raccoon (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the differences are notable. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional experience with a slightly deeper keypress, which can feel more substantial to users who prefer a hearty depth in their typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Raccoon (V2) may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster, more immediate actions. Therefore, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) would be the ideal choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g would be better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced bottom-out feel.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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) exhibits a resonant, high-pitched audio signature that is both crisp and clean, evoking the sensation of marbles colliding or tapping on a solid piece of marble. This bright sound adds a lively auditory element to the typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more engaging acoustic environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed to deliver a whisper-quiet experience, likened to the gentle sound of raindrops. While the Baby Raccoon provides a vibrant auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a serene typing environment, allowing users to type discreetly without disturbing others.
Regarding the feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a creamy and bouncy typing sensation that is invigorating and polished. Users can expect smooth key travel, a snappy responsive actuation, and a lively feedback reminiscent of elastic springs. This combination contributes to a typing experience that feels both gratifying and dynamic. On the other hand, the tactile properties of the Silent Sakura - 53g are not explicitly detailed, leaving its specific feel largely unknown. However, it aims for a light yet satisfying keystroke, indicating potential smoothness and responsiveness in alignment with other light linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon's bright, resonant sound and invigorating tactile feedback offer an engaging experience, while the Silent Sakura provides a quieter typing atmosphere without explicit details about its tactile qualities. Therefore, if you're looking for a lively typing experience, the Baby Raccoon may be your go-to, while the Silent Sakura will suit those seeking serenity in their typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether audio feedback or subdued sound is more critical to your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment you'll be using them in. If you enjoy a lively, engaging typing experience with a crisp, resonant sound, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent choice. Its medium weight and “marbly” feel can provide a satisfying tactile response, making it suitable for both gaming and typing sessions where you appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience—especially if you're working in shared or noise-sensitive environments—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With its lighter actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, this switch offers a refined touch that minimizes distractions. Therefore, consider your priorities, whether they lean towards an expressive auditory typing style or a silent, nuanced keystroke, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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