Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both linear switches. The Baby Raccoon switches are known for their bright sound signature, crisp typing feel, and unique marbley characteristics thanks to their longer switch stems. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switches offer resonant and clacky notes, alongside a superb factory lube job for smooth keystrokes. While the Baby Raccoon switches are described as 'bouncy' and 'invigorating', the Strawberry Wine switches boast a 'silky' and 'high-pitched' profile. 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
52g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we see a clear distinction between the materials used in the top housing. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a pleasing and distinctive sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) opt for a nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. With both switches using the same housing material for the bottom, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing highlights the importance of this component in shaping the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out for its polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique sound experience with its POM top housing that is deeper and more muted. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact that housing materials have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we find that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55g compared to the Strawberry Wine's 45g. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon has a higher bottom out force of 63g, while the Strawberry Wine has a lighter bottom out force of 50g. This means that the Baby Raccoon provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Strawberry Wine offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, those who prefer a heavier key press may opt for the Baby Raccoon, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Strawberry Wine for a smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum, with the Baby Raccoon being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Baby Raccoon for its slightly deeper travel distance, providing a bit more responsiveness for quick movements. On the other hand, those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and users can expect similar results in terms of key response and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 auditory experience, with high-pitched tones that create a clean and sharp sound profile reminiscent of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, characterized by crisp, bright, and percussive notes. While both switches share some common descriptors like high-pitched and resonant, the Baby Raccoon leans towards a marbly sound, while the Strawberry Wine leans towards a clacky tone.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively feel and pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches focus on offering a smooth typing experience, but the Baby Raccoon has a more varied feel with aspects like bounce and polish, while the Strawberry Wine emphasizes a silky sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon leans towards a marbly, resonant sound with creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensations, while the Strawberry Wine provides a clacky, resonant sound with a silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a marbly, bouncy feel with a resonant sound or a clacky, silky feel with a resonant sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and a switch that produces a bright and marbly sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers resonant and clacky notes with an exceptionally silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal sound and feel preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and sound preference.
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