Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between a multitude of options, two popular linear choices being the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its unique bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks in part to its longer switch stems, which offer a delightful "marbley" experience that is both invigorating and polished. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that promise a super smooth typing journey, combined with a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who value auditory feedback. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) might attract users looking for a bouncy and engaging tactile experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those seeking a seamless and almost effortless keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, as it allows light to pass through more effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. As a result, users of both the Baby Raccoon and Tomcat switches can expect a similar auditory experience when releasing keys, highlighted by a bright and clear sound signature that is characteristic of polycarbonate housings.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a contrasting sound profile to their overall performance. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which means it absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a rounder and more muted climax when the switch bottoms out. Thus, while both switches may deliver a bright sound when keys are released due to their polycarbonate tops, the sound produced when keys are pressed down will differ significantly in texture and depth because of the nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are quite similar in their material choices, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housings and nylon for the bottoms. This dual-material approach results in an interesting interplay of auditory qualities, with the polycarbonate top delivering clarity during release and the nylon bottom providing depth during key presses. As both switches exhibit the same materials in both housing components, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Overall, while both switches feature a blend of characteristics that enhance their performance, the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon shape the diverse auditory experiences offered by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that their actuation forces are identical at 55 grams, providing users with a consistent keystroke experience in terms of the force needed to register a keypress. However, the bottom out forces slightly differ, with the Baby Raccoon (V2) at 63 grams and the Tomcat (Heavy) at 64 grams, indicating that the Tomcat switch requires just a bit more force to press down fully. This difference places the Baby Raccoon (V2) as the lighter option in terms of overall feel, making it better suited for those who type for longer sessions or prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), while still within a medium range overall, offers a marginally heavier bottoming out experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Therefore, while both switches provide similar actuation experiences, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is the lighter choice, making it preferable for prolonged use, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who favor a heftier key press.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect comparable keypress experiences in terms of responsiveness and engagement. This parity in travel distance ensures that those who enjoy the tactile experience of either switch will have a uniform sensation as they press the keys, making them equally suitable for various typing preferences or gaming needs.
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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch delivers a bright and resonant auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched tones. The sound profile can be described as clean and sharp, with a marbly quality that creates an immersive effect when typing. This marbly aspect resembles the crisp sound of billiard balls colliding, adding a unique character to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks a specific sound descriptor, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat unknown. However, external factors such as the choice of board and keycaps can influence the overall sound output for both switches, meaning users may still achieve a satisfying sound profile regardless of the inherent characteristics of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) excels with its creamy, bouncy, and invigorating typing sensations. The factory lubing and materials contribute to a smooth, buttery experience that feels effortless while providing pronounced feedback. The feeling of bounciness adds a spring-like quality to each keystroke, making the entire typing experience dynamic and reactive. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, however, does not have detailed descriptors available for its feel, making it difficult to compare directly in terms of tactile feedback. Users might similarly enjoy a satisfying typing experience, though the specifics remain ambiguous.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch offers a distinctive auditory and tactile profile, characterized by its bright sound quality and smooth, invigorating feel. In contrast, details about the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch are limited, particularly regarding its sound and feel characteristics. While the Baby Raccoon provides a clear and enjoyable typing experience, the unknown qualities of the Tomcat suggest that it may best be experienced directly to determine how it compares. Ultimately, both switches may yield satisfying results, but the specifics of each experience can vary significantly based on personal preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, it's essential to consider your personal preferences for both sound and typing experience. If you value a crisp, bright auditory feedback combined with a unique, marbley feel while typing, the Baby Raccoon (V2) will likely suit you best. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams makes it versatile enough for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, while its lively and creamy characteristics offer an invigorating experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a heavier switch with a smoother actuation and prefer a more robust typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 64 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that ensures stability, making it ideal for typing tasks that require precision and control. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a higher-pitched, crisper sound and a more lively typing feel (Baby Raccoon V2) or a smoother and heavier touch combined with a resonant sound profile (Tomcat Heavy).
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