Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This unique feature gives the switch a distinctive "marbley" feel, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a refreshing typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles. With a rich and decadent bassy sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Additionally, the combination of a POM stem and proprietary factory lube method gives the Sunset Yellow a distinct gliding feel. While both switches have their own appeal, it's important to dive deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is especially useful for those who want to showcase RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow has a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both housing materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing emphasizes a deeper sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the contrast is less apparent. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow also has a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deep and relatively muted sound profile. Both housing materials provide a pleasing sound experience, with a focus on depth and a subtle tone.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the bottom housing is felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. Despite the differences in material, both the Baby Raccoon and the Sunset Yellow offer satisfying typing experiences, with their respective housing materials contributing to unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. This makes the Everglide Sunset Yellow the lighter option in both categories.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is ideal as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes and bottom out. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, whether it be for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Baby Raccoon with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. These individuals may appreciate the stronger push required for a more satisfying typing experience.
Overall, whether users prefer a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer options to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sunset Yellow offers a shorter distance compared to the Baby Raccoon. The Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who value faster response times and prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon's slightly longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress experience. Both options provide distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow providing a quicker tactile response and the longer travel distance of the Baby Raccoon offering a more pronounced and deliberate keystroke.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 linear switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. The sound is clean and sharp, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a rich and bassy sound experience. The sound is deeper and exhibits a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp tone, the Baby Raccoon is a great choice. If you enjoy a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the Sunset Yellow will provide a satisfying auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches share the descriptor of being creamy. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches may have lubed from the factory or specific materials that contribute to their creamy feel. Additionally, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Gateron Baby Raccoon switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Both switches can offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prioritize a creamy and smooth typing experience, both switches will deliver similar results.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow's rich and bassy sound. Both switches are creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. While the Baby Raccoon is bouncy and offers pronounced feedback, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is frictionless and provides an extremely effortless typing experience. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon, with its medium bottom out force of 63 grams, offers a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. It is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. Moreover, it provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes.
On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow, with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 51 grams, delivers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Its sound is described as bassy and thocky, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience. In terms of feel, it shares similarities with the Baby Raccoon, offering a creamy sensation and a polished finish. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow boasts a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, when deciding between these two switches, you should consider your preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound, along with a creamier and bouncier typing experience, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and bassier sound profile, along with a smoother and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is the way to go. By understanding the unique features and qualities of each switch, you can make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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