Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel. These switches stand out with their lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems, resulting in a distinctive "marbley" sensation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. With pronounced tactility, these switches offer satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, particularly their polycarbonate top housing, offer similar benefits. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Baby Raccoon or the Viola Tricolor.

In contrast, the differences lie in the switches' nylon bottom housing. The Baby Raccoon's bottom housing is made of nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering the same characteristic of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches' nylon bottom housing contribute to the overall sound experience, making each keystroke more satisfying and pronounced.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing on the switch's sound and feel, they offer distinct qualities. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. It absorbs more sound and contributes to the deeper and fuller sound experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, shared between the Baby Raccoon and the Viola Tricolor as polycarbonate, primarily affects the sound when letting go of a key. Its stiffness and translucency influence the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced. Thus, users can expect a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing enhancing the downstroke and the top housing emphasizing the release of each key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Baby Raccoon is lighter, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, both falling within the medium range. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Baby Raccoon would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial tactile feel is desired, the Viola Tricolor's slightly heavier bottom out force may provide a satisfying push while typing.

While the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is not specified, it is worth considering that it may have a similar actuation force to the Baby Raccoon, especially if both switches are designed to offer a consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding the desired typing feel, with the Baby Raccoon being lighter and the Viola Tricolor offering a slightly heavier touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that they have slightly different measurements. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance. In terms of gaming, shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers due to faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive keystroke, the Baby Raccoon with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper keypress, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches will result in a clean and sharp sound profile, with a higher-pitched tone that can be compared to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. Key presses on these switches produce a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon linear switch provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery feel, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With a spring-like feedback and a lively feel, the keys have a bouncy sensation and provide a rebound when pressed. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy and reactive feel of these switches create an invigorating typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch is best described as accented and invigorating. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a medium tactile experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon switch offers a resonant and marbly sound profile with a bright and crisp high-pitched tone. It provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, offering smoothness, liveliness, and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone. It provides an accented and invigorating typing experience with a medium level of tactility. Depending on personal preference, these switches offer different sound and feel characteristics to enhance the typing experience. However, it's important to note 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 prioritize a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its marbley and resonant sound profile, it offers a higher-pitched and clean sound that is reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. Additionally, the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished feel, giving you a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. Its bassy and low-pitched sound offers a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Furthermore, the Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation without overwhelming tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, so consider which characteristics align with your typing style and make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) Linear

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more