Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its lively and upbeat sound profile, enhanced by longer stems that contribute to a notably marbley feel during each keystroke, making it an exhilarating option for those who prioritize a crisp and invigorating typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust tactile response with its unique PA12 top housing, creating a softer acoustic profile without sacrificing precision. This switch pairs a high-pitched resonance with a refined sophistication, appealing to users who enjoy a smoother yet still punchy typing feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiasts with diverging needs: the Baby Raccoon for a bright and bouncy typing sensation, and the Xinhai for a subtly sophisticated performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a clear distinction arises from their top housing materials. The Baby Raccoon (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the auditory experience but also maximizes the effects of RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing glow through the switch. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference sets the tone for how users perceive the typing sounds between these two switches.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a stronger similarity between the two switches. Both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Xinhai (Heavy) incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, providing a consistent foundation for sound characteristics. With both employing nylon, users can expect a uniform deeper and fuller sound profile when actuating the switches. This shared material in the bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a similarly rich auditory experience during typing, highlighting the essential effect of bottom housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of keystrokes, predominantly influencing bottom-out sounds.
Ultimately, while the differences between the top housings lead to distinct auditory qualities when pressing and releasing keys, the commonality in the bottom housings aids in achieving a balanced sound profile. Users will experience a contrasting sound signature due to the top materials—crisper and sharper for the Baby Raccoon (V2) versus deeper and rounder for the Xinhai (Heavy). However, the predominant impact of the nylon in both bottom housings leads to a reassuring consistency in feel and sound depth during typing. Thus, while there are notable contrasts driven by the top materials, the shared nylon in the bottoms ensures that both switches remain relatively agreeable in their fundamental typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to initiating a keystroke. However, the Baby Raccoon (V2) has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This means that while both switches feel similar during the initial actuation, the Baby Raccoon provides a marginally more resistant experience when fully bottoming out. In terms of overall weight, both switches are categorized as medium, appealing to users who appreciate a balance between light and strong tactile feedback for both typing and gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a slightly heavier push feel when bottoming out, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a marginally lighter bottoming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, a distinct difference is noticeable. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the HMX Xinhai with its 3.4 mm travel might be the better choice, as shorter distances are often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a more substantial feel with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a greater depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the difference in travel distance suggests that the Baby Raccoon (V2) is better suited for users who appreciate a heftier key press, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might better fulfill the needs of those prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) is characterized by a bright and resonant signature, delivering a high-pitched and clean auditory experience. This switch is noted for its marbly quality, akin to the sharp sound produced when two billiard balls collide or the resonating chime of a piece of marble being struck. The intimate sound engages the user, allowing for an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) does not have a defined sound profile presented in the available information, leaving its acoustic qualities a mystery that could vary widely depending on how the switch is utilized in conjunction with different keyboards and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) provides a uniquely rich experience, described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. This blend results in a smooth and silky typing sensation, with a lively rebound that enhances the interaction with the keys. The finely-tuned experience allows for a pleasant tactile feedback, giving the user confidence with every keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) remains undefined, so its tactile characteristics and overall performance cannot be assessed or compared directly based on the information available.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch clearly stands out with its distinct sound and enhanced typing feel, offering brightness and depth that many users may find appealing. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) promises a capacity for performance but lacks the specifics needed for a thorough evaluation in terms of sound and feel. As acoustic and tactile experiences can be subjective and influenced by various external factors, the Baby Raccoon’s defined attributes may offer a more instantaneous understanding of its capabilities, while the Xinhai's qualities remain to be fully discovered. If you seek a switch with vibrant sound and refined feedback, the Baby Raccoon (V2) would likely be a preferable choice, whereas those curious about the Xinhai might want to explore it further in practice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, your choice will depend on the type of feel and sound experience you desire. If you are drawn to a lively, engaging typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is an excellent option. Its longer switch stem provides a uniquely "marbly" feel, giving you a smooth and invigorating typing sensation that can make every keystroke feel refreshing and energetic. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle sound profile combined with refined performance, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be your best bet. This switch offers a sophisticated acoustics experience with its unique materials, providing a softer and smoother typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a more nuanced feedback without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the vibrant and dynamic characteristics of the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the elegant and precise nature of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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