Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Taro. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch renowned for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. With lengthened switch stems that are 0.64mm longer than typical stems, these switches offer a unique "marbley" sensation. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that provides a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. The acute and crisp clacks add to the overall satisfaction of using these switches. While the Baby Raccoon leans towards a resonant and marbly feel, the Taro takes on a more neutral and buttery persona. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Therefore, both keyboards provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Baby Raccoon and the Taro utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more enjoyable. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both keyboards will provide a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a deeper and fuller sound thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities attributed to each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the keyboard. The impact of the bottom housing material will be felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Jwick Taro may exhibit slight differences in sound characteristics based on the materials used for their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is relatively light. This light actuation force allows for a smooth and effortless keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force is unavailable, so the force required to trigger a keystroke remains unknown. However, its bottom out force of 67 grams indicates that it is on the heavier side. This heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel.
While the specific actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, it can be inferred that it is heavier than the Baby Raccoon due to its higher bottom out force. Therefore, if one is looking for a lighter switch, the Baby Raccoon would be the preferable choice, whereas those seeking a heavier switch with a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Taro. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. Choosing the shorter option, the Baby Raccoon, would provide a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer switches with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The Gateron Baby Raccoon is known for its resonant sound profile, characterized by a higher-pitched and clean sound when typing. The sound can be described as marbly, creating a vivid imagery of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the clashing of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro has a more neutral sound profile with a moderate level of sound. It doesn't have any specific descriptors mentioned, but it can be assumed that the sound is not as sharp or high-pitched as the Baby Raccoon. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy typing experience. This implies a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, possibly due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. It's like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. The Baby Raccoon also has a bouncy and invigorating feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and offers smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Taro is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Taro also has a stepped feel, meaning it has a moderate tactile feedback with a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon has a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched, marbly characteristic, while the Taro has a more neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while the Taro offers a buttery feel with a stepped tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique sensations, and the choice between them would depend on personal preference. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a range of tactile sensations, the Baby Raccoon would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound with a smooth and fluid keystroke, along with a mild tactile feedback, the Taro would be a good option.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing experience, the Baby Raccoon may be your ideal choice. With its extended switch stems, you can expect a unique and marbly feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a snappy level of tactility and acute clacks, the Taro may be more suitable for you. It provides a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different purposes. Considering the sound descriptors, the Baby Raccoon is resonant, marbly, and high-pitched, while the Taro is described as neutral. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon offers creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensations, while the Taro is described as buttery and stepped. Therefore, take into account your sound and feel preferences to make an informed decision based on the sound, typing experience, and actuation force that align with your typing needs.
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