Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out - the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. This exceptional linear switch can be described as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. With maximum RGB lighting customization capability and a lightly lubed POM stem for minimal friction, this switch is buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to be showcased effectively. Both switches benefit from these qualities, making them suitable options for those who desire a vibrant and distinct sound experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Baby Raccoon utilizes nylon, while the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing is a newer material known for its bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. The choice between these two materials ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
In terms of impact, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on either switch. The Gateron Baby Raccoon's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing will provide a brighter and more resonant clack. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both switches offer a balanced combination of sound qualities from their housing materials, ensuring an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Raccoon requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams. This makes the Aurora Clear slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a force of 63 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key needs to be pressed.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, such as the Aurora Clear, as it allows for extended periods of typing without fatigue. This characteristic makes it suitable for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Baby Raccoon would be a better option as it has a slightly higher actuation force compared to the WS Aurora Clear.
In conclusion, the actuation force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon is slightly heavier compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, while both switches have the same bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Aurora Clear, while those looking for a heavier push feel might lean towards the Baby Raccoon.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer journey compared to the Baby Raccoon. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Raccoon would be a suitable choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth, the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly longer travel distance might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is more desirable for the individual user.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch is known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched characteristics. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. It's similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch also has a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, although the specific sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. This means that these switches offer a smooth, buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. They have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Baby Raccoon switch also provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer desirable qualities for different preferences. The Baby Raccoon switch provides a bright and marbly sound signature, along with a refreshing crisp type feel. It offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with maximum RGB lighting customization. It provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. While they may have some similarities, such as the high-pitched sound profile and polished feel, each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and customization options.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are searching for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be an excellent choice. These switches are characterized by their marbley feel, providing a refreshingly crisp typing experience. They also produce a resonant and high-pitched sound, which can be compared to the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear would be a better option. With their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for optimal customization. They have a bottom-out force that is slightly heavier than the Baby Raccoon but still falls within the medium-heavy range. The WS Aurora Clear switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring minimal friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
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