Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves choosing between various options tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2), a linear switch, is celebrated for its vibrant audio profile and a uniquely crisp typing experience, largely attributed to its longer switch stems that produce a "marbley" feel. This switch is characterized by its resonant, high-pitched, and invigorating qualities, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively and engaging keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) represents a different approach to typing, featuring hall effect technology that delivers a smooth and balanced experience with its desirable "thock" sound. With a neutral sound signature and reduced wobble thanks to its dustproof stem, this switch caters to users seeking a more refined and buttery typing sensation. While both switches offer unique benefits—one leaning toward a vibrant and playful feel and the other focusing on a polished and smooth touch—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in similar acoustic characteristics, promoting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant and clear sound, which enhances the tactile experience when typing. A common aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate is its translucency, allowing RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. Thus, both switches ensure that users obtain a visually appealing lighting effect, enhancing their keyboard experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sticky Rice (V2) are identical in material as well, both being constructed from nylon. This particular choice of material is noteworthy due to its softer nature, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its harder counterparts. The nylon's ability to absorb sound waves leads to a mellower tonal quality, resulting in a typing experience that feels more subdued yet plush. This similarity in the bottom housing further aligns the switches in terms of auditory feedback when bottoming out, contributing to the overall typing experience shared by both options.
Ultimately, while each switch's top and bottom housing employs the same materials, the impact of these materials is manifested in distinct ways. The polycarbonate top housing is primarily responsible for the sound produced during key releases, creating a bright and lively auditory effect. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel during key presses, delivering a rich, rounded quality to the overall experience. As both switches share similar materials in their construction, they deliver comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal, making either choice a worthy consideration for enthusiasts seeking enriched tactile feedback and pleasing acoustics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium-weight category. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sticky Rice switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Baby Raccoon offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push. In summary, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the heavier option, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a lighter experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a bit more depth in its keypress compared to the Sticky Rice (V2), which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) can provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who favor rapid key activation. Ultimately, if users are looking for a more responsive feel, the Sticky Rice would be the better choice, while those who prefer a deeper, more traditional travel experience might gravitate towards the Baby Raccoon.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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) presents a bright auditory signature characterized by its resonant and high-pitched tones, which create a sharp and crisp sound profile that can be very engaging for users who prefer an immersive experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, delivering the "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. This divergence in sound characteristics highlights the Baby Raccoon (V2) as a lively choice for those who enjoy higher frequencies, while the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to individuals seeking a smoother and more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels with its creamy, bouncy, and invigorating characteristics, providing a dynamic typing experience that feels lively and snappy. This sensation can be amplified by the longer switch stems, contributing to an engaging interaction with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on a polished finish that enhances the silky and buttery feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. While both switches aim for a high-quality typing feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) leans towards a more responsive, vibrant experience, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes gentle, effortless keystrokes.
In summary, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) bring unique qualities to the table that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is ideal for users who appreciate a lively and bright auditory experience with an engaging tactile sensation, while the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a mellow, polished approach that emphasizes smoothness and comfort. Depending on your priorities—whether it's an invigorating typing experience or a silky, refined touch—both switches can lead to satisfying typing results, appealing to a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kinds of experiences you seek. If you enjoy a more profound auditory experience with a bright, resonant sound profile and a typing feel that’s both creamy and invigorating, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams may cater well to those who appreciate that extra feedback and a lively responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, with a velvety smooth, polished feel and a mellow "thock" sound that’s less piercing, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better choice. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it offers a gentle typing experience that remains highly refined, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort and subtlety are key. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what characteristics resonate with you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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