Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems that provide a marbley typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 distinguishes itself with the use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action that offers a rich typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) is characterized by a resonant and invigorating feel, the Sky V4 is described as thocky and bouncy. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing styles. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 uses a POK top housing, known for its exceptionally smooth texture and durability. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they excel in providing a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 utilize a nylon material. Nylon is praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softer nature allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer slight variations in sound and feel based on other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Dareu Sky V4 may differ in terms of the top housing, they both offer reliable and high-quality options for switch enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the smoothness of POK, both switches prioritize durability and performance. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, highlighting the versatility of different materials in creating a unique typing experience. Ultimately, while there may be subtle differences between the two switches, the overall quality and feel are likely to be similar due to the usage of well-regarded housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Raccoon has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sky V4. The Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the Sky V4 only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This makes the Baby Raccoon better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4 is lighter in force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equally matched in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is clear that they provide a similar key press experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and predictable keypress feel, ensuring that users can expect similar results regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the travel distance for both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is the same, giving users a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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) linear switch offers a resonant and marbly typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched and clean sound profile that can be likened to tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky and neutral typing sound, with a deeper and rich tone that offers a satisfying auditory experience. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) leans towards a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Sky V4 offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, catering to different preferences in sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and pronounced feedback. This results in a polished and refined typing feel that is smooth and sleek. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like and lively feel with rebound when pressed. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a range of sensations from creamy to invigorating, the Sky V4 focuses on providing a consistent bouncy feel for a lively typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Baby Raccoon (V2) excels in providing a bright and crisp sound with a range of creamy to invigorating typing sensations, while the Sky V4 stands out for its deep and rich sound with a consistent bouncy typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences, making them ideal choices for those seeking specific sound and feel profiles in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch or the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished typing experience, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, neutral, or low-pitched sound profile paired with a bouncy typing sensation, then the Dareu Sky V4 may be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your personal typing style and what you value most in a keyboard switch.
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