Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are both outstanding mechanical keyboard switches that belong to the linear switch family. On one hand, the Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and incredibly crisp typing feel, thanks to its longer switch stems. This unique characteristic provides a distinctive typing experience that can be described as "marbley." On the other hand, the WS Yellow offers a timeless fusion of classic materials and modern engineering. With its 22mm double-stage spring at the core, these switches deliver a delightful bounce while maintaining a familiar sound signature beloved by enthusiasts. Additionally, the WS Yellow is crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a smooth, fluid typing experience. However, let's dive deeper into the intricacies of these switches beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Yellow differ in their choice of housing materials. The Baby Raccoon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing's translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Yellow opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material produces a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Baby Raccoon and the WS Yellow utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a dull and round sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches are influenced by the nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two sections. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and sound of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Ultimately, while the Baby Raccoon and the WS Yellow differ in their specific housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles based on the qualities of their chosen materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches, there are some distinct differences to note. The actuation force of the Baby Raccoon is 55 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is currently unavailable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Baby Raccoon measuring at 63 grams and the WS Yellow at a lighter 53 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to achieve longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the WS Yellow would be a suitable choice due to its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the Baby Raccoon's slightly heavier bottom out force may be better suited.
It is worth noting that without the exact actuation force for the WS Yellow, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of the initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, given that both switches have medium bottom out forces, it is likely that users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have slight differences in their travel distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance, the Baby Raccoon would be the ideal choice as it offers a slightly quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to enhance their gaming experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deep feel when pressing down on a key might find the WS Yellow with its longer travel distance more satisfying. Overall, both switches offer their own benefits, but it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Yellow 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 well-known for its bright sound signature and crisp type feel. It produces a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. This unique sound provides an immersive auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer clean and sharp tones. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon switch is described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with its creamy sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The bouncy nature of this switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The invigorating aspect offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The polished finish of the Baby Raccoon switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch provides a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. Its sound signature is not explicitly described, but it offers a familiar sound that enthusiasts have come to adore. The sound produced by this switch would depend on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. In terms of feel, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. Like the Baby Raccoon, it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. It provides a gentle typing experience without having pronounced characteristics that might be overwhelming to some users. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the Baby Raccoon switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches both offer smooth, creamy typing experiences with reduced friction and polished finishes. Their sound characteristics differ, with the Baby Raccoon having a resonant, marbly sound profile, while the WS Yellow provides a familiar sound signature. Both switches are likely to satisfy users who prefer a bright, high-pitched sound and a smooth, buttery feel. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Overall, these switches promise a delightful typing experience, with each offering its own unique qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems, you can expect a unique and crisp typing feel that is often described as "marbley." The Baby Raccoons provide a creamy and invigorating typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more gentle typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. With a medium-light bottom out force, these switches offer effortless keystrokes and a satisfying bounce. The WS Yellow switches provide a creamy and mild feel, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches have their unique qualities and offer a delightful typing experience. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.
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