Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available that cater to different preferences and needs. Two popular options in the linear switch category are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Baby Raccoon stands out with its unique characteristics, known for its bright sound signature and a refreshing crisp type feel. This is achieved through its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. These extraordinary linear switches have been aptly described as "marbly" due to their resonant and polished nature. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. It is categorized simply as "Neutral." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches offer the advantage of being translucent, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the switches diverge in material choice. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver also incorporates nylon as its bottom housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with other housing materials. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, the overall sound profile of both switches will be influenced by a combination of the top and bottom housing characteristics. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share similar housing materials for their top housing, which contribute to a sharp and resonant sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with nylon being utilized for both switches. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound for typing. Nevertheless, the overall sound profile of each switch will be influenced by a combination of the characteristics of both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force, requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon is also slightly heavier, requiring 63 grams of force compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. Overall, both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, but the Yellow Silver is considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force.
Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience for many individuals. Those who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver, as its lighter actuation force allows for comfortable typing for longer periods of time. This would make it ideal for tasks such as typing at work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Gateron Baby Raccoon. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, creating a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
It is worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, individuals who prefer either switch can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Yellow Silver will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Baby Raccoon leaning towards a slightly heavier feel and the Yellow Silver offering a slightly lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver. Opting for the Baby Raccoon would provide a more responsive experience, as shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for their faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth to the key press, the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired feel when using the keyboard.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have different sound profiles and feel experiences. The Baby Raccoon is best known for its resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp auditory experience, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for gamers and typists who prefer a speediness and responsiveness. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. The creamy sensation comes from a smooth and buttery feel, either due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys as they melt into each keystroke. The bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like feedback, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. An invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Finally, the polished switch has a sleek and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Raccoon has a bright and marbly sound profile with a refreshingly crisp feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. It provides a resonant, high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver features a neutral sound profile suitable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. Unfortunately, detailed descriptions of the Yellow Silver's feel are unknown. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be a good choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This switch is best known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, which is favorable for gamers and typists who prefer a speediness and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you are interested in a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a slightly heavier typing experience. The Baby Raccoon is known for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. Furthermore, it is characterized as "marbly," with a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound profile. In terms of feel, the Baby Raccoon offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience, while there is no specific description provided for the feel of the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and desired typing experience. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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