Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4T stand out as popular options. The Baby Raccoon is a linear switch, known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel. With longer switch stems than typical switches, it provides a unique "marbley" experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that offers a perfect blend of thockiness and sharp tactility. Its bassy "thock" sound profile, combined with assertive tactile feedback, ensures every keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their distinct advantages, but let's delve deeper beyond generalities so that you can decide on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound. The softness of this blend contributes to a warmer and fuller sound compared to the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate.

While both switches have different top housings, they share the use of soft housing materials for their bottom housings. The Baby Raccoon incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, or "boba plastic," contributes to a rich and deep sound. The softness of this blend enhances the switch's sound profile, offering a similar effect to the Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing.

When using either switch, the qualities of the top and bottom housings become apparent in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the experience of pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the Baby Raccoon and the Gazzew U4T feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both provide a unique sound experience depending on the specific action performed. Whether it's the crisper sound of the Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate or the deeper sound of the U4T's proprietary blend, users can expect distinct auditory feedback based on their choice of switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium range. The Baby Raccoon has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the U4T's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Baby Raccoon may be the better option, as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, whether it be at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the U4T provides a slightly heavier bottom out force. This heavier force can result in a more satisfying typing experience, giving a sense of stability and solidity to each keystroke.

It is worth noting that since the actuation force for the U4T is unavailable, it is uncertain how it compares to the Baby Raccoon in terms of actuation force. However, since both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, it can be assumed that they would provide similar results in terms of how far you need to press the keys before they register. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Raccoon falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, with a travel distance that is 0.4 mm shorter than the more traditional 4 mm of the U4T. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the U4T with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you value shorter travel for speed or longer travel for a more satisfying tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best known for its bright and crisp sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and described as "marbly," resembling the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. A thocky sound profile, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock," is achieved when pressing and releasing the keys. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch provides a creamy and invigorating typing experience. The smooth and buttery typing sensation is achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials. When typing on these switches, you can expect a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively and rebounding feel to the keystrokes. The Gazzew U4T tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having a sharp tactile feedback. These switches offer a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It provides a tactile satisfaction that is pronounced and satisfying.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch stands out for its bright and crisp sound profile, along with its creamy and invigorating typing feel. It provides a clean and immersive auditory experience paired with a smooth and buttery typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a bassy thock, along with a sharp tactile feedback that provides distinct tactile satisfaction. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized typing experience. Overall, whether you prefer the bright and crisp sound with a creamy feel or the bassy thock with sharp tactility, both switches provide their own distinct benefits, ensuring satisfaction with each keystroke.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great choice. Its longer switch stems provide a refreshingly crisp type feel, giving you a marbley typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T would be the perfect fit. Its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback will ensure that every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and desired experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more