Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options stand out: the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. These switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Raccoon switches are renowned for their bright sound signature and crisp typing experience, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They provide a unique "marbley" feel and are characterized as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, and creamy. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio offer a profound tactile bump and a satisfying resistance of 70g. They provide an immersive and engaging typing journey with a captivating sound profile. Categorized as accented, bouncy, clacky, and snappy, these switches also deliver a thocky resonance that adds to the overall auditory feedback. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Baby Raccoon and the WS Heavy Tactile differ in their top housing materials. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, produces a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a more distinct and vibrant auditory experience with the Baby Raccoon, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a richer and more mellow sound.
Both the Baby Raccoon and the WS Heavy Tactile share a nylon bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Nylon's relatively softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a consistent auditory experience between the two switches in terms of their bottom-out sound. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has more impact on the sound and feel during key presses, meaning that although the nylon bottom housing is similar, the overall typing experience may still differ slightly between the two switches.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, both the Baby Raccoon and the WS Heavy Tactile offer a unique and satisfying typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Raccoon produces a crisper and clearer sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of bottom housings, the nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar level of acoustic pleasure regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a sharper and higher-pitched sound (Baby Raccoon) or a deeper and fuller sound (WS Heavy Tactile).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a medium actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, suggesting that information is not readily known. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon requires 63 grams of force to fully press a key, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. Comparatively, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a light bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Baby Raccoon.
Considering the weight of the switch, it becomes clear that the Baby Raccoon may be preferred by individuals looking for a slightly heavier feel while typing. The actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Raccoon are relatively close, providing a consistent and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Although specific actuation force information for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, it can be assumed that it would deliver similar results to the Baby Raccoon in terms of actuation given its light bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Baby Raccoon has a longer distance at 3.6 mm compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the WS Heavy Tactile a favorable choice in this regard. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press may find the Baby Raccoon's longer travel distance more satisfying. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one values a shorter, snappier feel or a longer, more deliberate touch.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a clean and sharp sound profile, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. These switches offer a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Both switches provide a higher-pitched sound profile, making them a suitable choice for those who prefer a more sharp and crisp sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is characterized as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The Baby Raccoon switches also offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These switches offer a prominent amount of tactility, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and have a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The WS Heavy Tactile switches also offer pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches is distinctive with each keypress. Similar to the Baby Raccoon switches, the WS Heavy Tactile switches create an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switches offer contrasting yet equally appealing subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon switches provide a resonant and marbly sound profile, along with a creamy and bouncy feel that offers smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a clacky and sharp sound profile, along with an accented and bouncy feel that provides a prominent amount of tactility. Although different, both switches offer invigorating feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch will deliver a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, crisp sound signature, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is a great choice. With its lengthened switch stems, it offers a "marbly" typing experience that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, creating an immersive auditory experience. This switch provides a creamy and polished feel, giving you a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a remarkable tactile experience, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is the one for you. With a pronounced tactile bump and a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is accompanied by a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium or light bottom out force and whether you're looking for a bright and clean sound or a more clacky and high-pitched sound. Additionally, think about whether you prefer a creamy and polished feeling switch or a switch with a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump.
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