Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often prioritize distinct characteristics that align with their typing or gaming preferences. The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) stands out with its bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks in part to its lengthened switch stems that provide a unique marbley sensation with each keystroke. This switch is celebrated for its resonant and polished qualities, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a smooth yet invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus has garnered attention from gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. Its bright, clacky sound profile, in conjunction with a remarkably smooth push feel, makes it perfect for rapid-fire inputs, a crucial aspect for competitive play. While both switches are linear, offering distinct tactile experiences, they cater to different user preferences—be it the polished clarity of the Baby Raccoons or the speedy responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles largely due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. This creates a crisper auditory experience, particularly noticeable during the release of a key, as the rigidity of polycarbonate allows sound waves to resonate more effectively. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the light can shine through the housing, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard and illuminating the key legends.
In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing, as the softer material absorbs more sound and reduces higher frequencies, producing a more rounded auditory experience. When keys are released, the nuances of the sound may be less pronounced compared to switches with a polycarbonate top. This fundamental difference in sound characteristics highlights the distinct auditory experience a user might encounter when using each switch, with the Vintage Citrus providing a mellower typing experience, while the Baby Raccoon (V2) delivers crisper feedback.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Vintage Citrus feature nylon material, which brings similar acoustic properties to the switches. With both utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a deeper, fuller sound profile for the bottoming out of the switches. This shared bottom housing may mitigate some of the contrast experienced in the top housings, as the softer nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a harmonious blend of sound profiles. Ultimately, even with differing top materials, the nylon bottom housing will give both switches a similar foundational auditory experience during use, providing a rounded feel despite their unique sound characteristics driven by the top housing's material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a stronger option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. While both switches fall within the medium range or medium-light category, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers more resistance, which could lead to greater fatigue over long periods. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the ideal choice, whereas the Baby Raccoon will satisfy those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear difference to note. The Baby Raccoon (V2) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which provides a more pronounced depth sensation when pressed. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel during key presses. While both switches lean towards shorter travel distances—gaining popularity in a gaming context for quicker response times—those who appreciate a more substantial depth will likely gravitate toward the Baby Raccoon (V2) for its longer travel distance. Overall, if you value a quicker and more abrupt typing experience, the Vintage Citrus may be the preferable choice, whereas the Baby Raccoon (V2) can be favored for a fuller key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its bright, resonant audio profile, delivering a high-pitched and crisp sound that can elevate the typing experience significantly. This marbly quality evokes imagery akin to the sharp clink of billiard balls or the reverberation of striking polished marble, offering a clean auditory feedback with every keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch's sound profile is less defined in available descriptions, but being designed for gaming, it likely encompasses a bright, clacky essence that aligns well with rapid, consecutive inputs. Overall, while the sound may differ minimally, both switches provide a lively auditory experience that enhances user engagement.
Regarding the feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is characterized by a smooth, creamy typing experience, with its longer stems and polished finish contributing to a buttery sensation that facilitates effortless typing. This invigorating feel provides not only a noticeable feedback but also a bouncy quality that responds playfully to each keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch lacks explicit descriptions of its tactile qualities, although given its low actuation force of merely 1mm, it may deliver a different yet responsive sensation geared towards speed. While the specifics of the Vintage Citrus's feel are unknown, users can expect a distinct typing experience when compared to the Baby Raccoon.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch offers a standout combination of bright, marbly sound and a smooth, invigorating feel, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming enthusiasts. The HMX Vintage Citrus, while lacking detailed descriptors, is tailored for quick, responsive inputs, potentially making it a great choice for gamers seeking speed. Users should consider their priorities—whether sound, feel, or rapid actuation—and based on these preferences, either switch could be a valuable addition to their mechanical keyboard repertoire.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, consider your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you appreciate a more noticeable tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent choice. Its unique marbley feel and bright sound signature provide a lively typing sensation that can make long typing sessions enjoyable while still offering enough resistance for precision. This switch would be ideal for typists or users who prioritize a clean auditory feedback and an invigorating typing experience. Conversely, if you are primarily focused on gaming and require rapid key presses with minimal resistance, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its low actuation force and quick response time, would better suit your needs. Its design caters specifically to gamers, allowing for swift actions, while the bright, clacky sound profile further enhances the gaming experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the tactile complexity and audio experience provided by the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the speed and responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus for gaming.
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