Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. With its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched characteristics, these linear switches provide a unique and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, they ensure fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. These tactile switches provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their choice of housing materials. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired sound profile. However, both switches emphasize the importance of housing material in enhancing the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Baby Raccoon and the WS Brown employ nylon as a classic switch housing material. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making it an essential component to consider when selecting a switch. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, slight variations in other factors such as spring weight and stem material can still contribute to differences in the overall typing experience.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings can significantly influence the sound when pressing down and releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound and feel, are more noticeable when pressing down, while the top housing has a greater impact when the key is released. Understanding the distinct contributions of each housing material assists in making an informed decision based on personal preference and desired typing experience. In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, as well as the Wuque Studio WS Brown's nylon top and bottom housing, offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, allowing users to choose the one that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon is 55 grams, while the exact force for the WS Brown is unavailable. This means that if a lighter actuation force is preferred, the Baby Raccoon would be the better choice. However, both switches have a medium-level actuation force overall.
In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force, making it slightly heavier than the WS Brown which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This slight difference could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, it's worth noting that both switches still fall within the medium to medium-light range of bottom out forces.
Considering weight is important, as it can affect one's typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Baby Raccoon, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience may prefer the WS Brown, as it provides a slightly heavier push feel.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Raccoon has a medium actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the WS Brown has an unknown actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force. Nonetheless, both switches offer options for individuals with different preferences, allowing them to achieve similar results through their desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize quick response times. Opting for a shorter travel distance, such as that of the Baby Raccoon, can provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key may prefer the WS Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for either a faster and more responsive feel or a deeper and more substantial keypress.
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 Brown comes in at $3.50.
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 linear switch is best known for its bright sound signature, characterized by a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clean and sharp auditory experience, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have any specific information provided about its sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the chosen keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon is described as providing a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The invigorating nature of the Baby Raccoon switch offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Furthermore, the polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, no specific information about the feel of the WS Brown switch is available.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch stands out for its bright and resonant sound signature and offers a range of subjective qualities such as marbly sound and creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. Meanwhile, information about the WS Brown switch's sound profile and feel is not provided. If a newcomer is looking for switches with similar qualities to the Baby Raccoon, such as a resonant and marbly sound profile or a creamy and polished feel, they can explore other options that offer these characteristics. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and try out different switches to find the most suitable one for individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your sound and feel preferences. If you prioritize a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound profile, the Baby Raccoon is the right choice for you. Its bright sound signature and marbly characteristic offer a refreshing and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the WS Brown is the better option. Its creamy and polished attributes ensure a silky and refined feel with reduced friction. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing you to find the perfect switch for an immersive and comfortable typing experience.
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