Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique features of different offerings. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its vibrant sound profile and a "marbley" feel, thanks to its longer switch stems that provide an invigorating and polished typing experience. This linear switch is ideal for users who appreciate a crisp, high-pitched response while typing, making it an exciting choice for those looking for tactile feedback and expressiveness. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, is crafted to deliver a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube that promotes a silky smooth feel with every keystroke. Its polished and resonant characteristics appeal to users who prioritize a harmonious blend of sound and tactile satisfaction in their typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences; the Baby Raccoon (V2) exhilarates with its sound and bounce, while the Sunset Gleam offers a smoother, more refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam keyboards both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate as the top housing material contributes to the switches' resonant qualities, resulting in a sound that is clear and articulate. Since both switches share this material for their upper housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics when engaged in typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing in low-light environments.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam are both crafted from nylon. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for the overall acoustic experience, as the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound upon bottoming out the switch. As a result, while both keyboards share similarities in their top housings that deliver clarity, their shared nylon bottoms provide a distinct yet harmonious fullness to the sound profile.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and Sunset Gleam switches dictates the sound signatures experienced by users. The polycarbonate top housing's crispness complements the nylon bottom housing's depth, creating a balanced auditory experience that aficionados of mechanical keyboards will appreciate. Although the choice of materials may lead to differing characteristics in how the switches feel and sound when engaged, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom promotes a consistent and appealing performance. Thus, users can expect a cohesive typing experience across both models while still enjoying the unique contributions of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is much lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, falling into the light weight category. This significant difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam, while those who favor a more substantial feel might prefer the Baby Raccoon (V2). Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on the user’s preference for either a softer touch or a more forceful push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the more responsive choice, ideal for gamers or those who favor quicker actuation. Conversely, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, if your priority is responsiveness, you'll likely prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Sunset Gleam, but if you seek a more substantial feel when typing, the 3.6 mm Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches share a resonant and high-pitched auditory profile. The Baby Raccoon (V2) delivers a bright and crisp sound, contributing to an immersive typing experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. Similarly, the Sunset Gleam also offers a clean and sharp sound, making it another excellent choice for those who prefer a higher-pitched signature. The specific acoustics of both switches may vary slightly depending on the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used, but overall, both switches provide an engaging auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its creamy and invigorating characteristics, which allow for a smooth and buttery typing experience. Users can expect a lively and responsive sensation with pronounced feedback, enhancing the overall typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam is polished and silky while also providing a bouncy feel. This combination ensures a smooth key travel and elastic feedback when pressed, contributing to a delightful tactile experience. Although both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing action, the Baby Raccoon leans more towards a creamy experience with invigorating feedback, whereas the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a polished and silky touch.
In summary, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches provide high-pitched and resonant sound profiles, making them attractive choices for anyone seeking an enjoyable auditory experience. While the Baby Raccoon focuses on a creamy and invigorating feel, the Sunset Gleam excels in delivering a polished and silky softness. Ultimately, either switch will ensure a satisfying typing experience; the choice between them boils down to personal preference regarding texture and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force and desire a typing experience that feels both fresh and invigorating, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent candidate. Its crisp, marbley feedback, paired with a resonant, high-pitched sound signature, can enhance your overall engagement while typing. This switch thrives in environments where typing accuracy and feel are paramount, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force along with a more polished and silky typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be more suited to you. With its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, it offers an enjoyable mash-up of smoothness and bounciness, creating an effortless experience for longer typing sessions. In essence, choose the Baby Raccoon for a more tactile and crisp feel, while opting for the Sunset Gleam for a smoother and lighter touch. Consider how you type and the sound profile you enjoy to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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