Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Described as "marbley," this switch offers a mix of characteristics like resilience and bounce. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, these switches provide a different typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that they each offer unique characteristics. The Baby Raccoon (V2) uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially suited for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) focuses on clear and resonant tones, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream is designed for a more distinct and lively sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is praised for its smoothness, shock resistance, and durability, making it a top choice for creating clacky and long-lasting switches. While the nylon bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) focuses on sound absorption and rounder tones, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes smoothness and longevity.
Overall, while the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both prioritize sound quality and durability in their housing materials, they achieve these goals through different means. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a clear and resonant sound profile, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for deeper tones, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream combines a proprietary KTT blend top housing for a distinct sound signature with a POK bottom housing for smoothness and durability. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience enhanced by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a bit more resistance, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Baby Raccoon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Baby Raccoon switch for a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 (V2) linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound signature, characterized by a high-pitched and clean profile, with a marbly texture reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound, providing typists with a smooth and creamy feel due to the material used in the stem and bottom housing. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Baby Raccoon leaning towards a resonant and sharp sound while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a smooth and creamy acoustical profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is known for its creamy and bouncy sensation, providing a buttery and elastic feedback that results in a lively and invigorating typing experience. The keys feel polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across the keys. Both switches provide a smooth and buttery feel, enhancing the typing experience with their unique tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Baby Raccoon leans towards a bright and resonant sound profile with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can expect to get similar results in terms of overall typing experience with these unique and innovative linear switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a bright and crisp sound profile, the Baby Raccoon (V2) may be the right choice for you. The extended switch stems provide a unique "marbley" feel that sets them apart. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a smooth, creamy typing sensation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may be more to your liking. With POK material in the stem and bottom housing, these switches offer a buttery feel that is reminiscent of their namesake dessert. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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