Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboards is filled with a variety of switches, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Two popular options in this realm are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4. On one hand, the Baby Raccoon is a linear switch that is renowned for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel. With its lengthened switch stems and distinctive properties such as being marbly, resonant, and bouncy, these switches offer a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that boasts a silent typing experience coupled with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Furthermore, it provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a more subtle and muted sound profile. Both switches offer their own set of advantages; 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound due to its softness, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Baby Raccoon.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Baby Raccoon employs a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This material choice in the Baby Raccoon enhances the typing experience, creating a unique auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4 incorporates the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing, offering a consistent sound experience throughout the switch. The softness of this "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound, which is appreciated by those seeking a particular sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches differ, they play distinct roles in the sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that when you press down on these switches, you will feel the characteristics of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when you release a key, affecting the overall timbre and resonance. Therefore, although the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4 have varying housing materials, each contributes its own unique sound qualities to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can observe a few similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the U4 requires a slightly lighter 43 grams. This means that the U4 has a lighter actuation force, allowing for a potentially faster and more responsive typing experience. Both switches, however, fall into the "medium" category in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, we find that the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully bottom out, while the U4 requires a slightly heavier 62 grams. Although the difference is minimal, it indicates that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the U4. This may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time may gravitate towards the U4, given its lighter actuation force. This would be advantageous for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust typing experience would find the Baby Raccoon more suitable, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a greater tactile feedback.
In conclusion, although the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Gazzew U4 switches have similar actuation forces within the medium range, the U4 offers a lighter actuation force while the Baby Raccoon features a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 linear switch is best known for its bright and crisp sound signature, often described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp auditory experience, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted sound profile that is whisper quiet. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, with a lower-pitched and more bass-heavy tone. The sound produced by each switch is also dependent on factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing sensation. The creamy switch delivers a smooth and buttery experience, while the bouncy switch provides a spring-like feedback and rebound when pressed. The invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile bump. Each keypress is accompanied by a strong and crisp tactile feedback.
Considering the available information, the Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon provides a bright, resonant sound with a refreshing crisp type feel, while the U4 offers a muted, whisper quiet sound with a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation. Both switches provide unique experiences, and the choice between them would depend on personal preferences. However, it is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and a switch with a bright sound signature and crisp feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have extended stems, giving them a unique "marbley" characteristic that enhances the typing experience. They produce a resonant and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switches have a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensation, offering smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the way to go. These switches provide a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making them perfect for those who prefer muted switches. The U4 switches produce a low-pitched sound and offer a sharp tactile feedback that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a bright sound with a crisp feel, go for the Baby Raccoon. If you prefer a muted sound with a sharp tactile bump, opt for the U4. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience.
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