Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and TTC Yunhai offer distinct yet appealing characteristics. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is celebrated for its bright sound signature and crisp typing feel, enhanced by its longer switch stems that deliver a unique marbled sensation with each keystroke. This switch, described with terms like 'resonant' and 'bouncy,' provides a polished and invigorating experience perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its effortlessly light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile. This particular switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a gentler, more feathery touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches cater to different preferences—one for those seeking a dynamic and engaging typing experience and the other for those desiring a soft, smooth feel—they both distinctly enhance your keyboard experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique acoustic and tactile profiles. The top housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While both top housings serve their functions, users will notice that the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a crisper sound profile, whereas the Yunhai provides a more subdued, rounded sound.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which creates a certain level of consistency in sound quality. The nylon bottom housing in the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Yunhai emphasizes a deeper, fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a similar tactile sensation, as the nylon helps to dampen noise and enhance the roundedness of the bottom-out sound. As both switches incorporate this common material for their bottom housings, the overall tactile experience during the actuation stage remains largely consistent, even though the top housing materials differ significantly.
Ultimately, the differing housing materials between the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Yunhai result in unique sound signatures and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate of the Baby Raccoon (V2) enhances clarity and brightness in the sound profile, especially noticeable upon key release, while the nylon in the Yunhai top housing contributes to a softer sound experience. However, both switches will provide a rich, deep sound when bottoming out due to their nylon bottom housings, allowing for some similarities in acoustic performance. Thus, users can expect varied typing experiences based on the nuances of the top housing materials while enjoying a consistent sensation of fullness and depth in sound when pressing the keys.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch display distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Baby Raccoon (V2) has a notably heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel could be ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: the heavier Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a more deliberate feel, while the lighter Yunhai facilitates quicker and less strenuous typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches will yield comparable results in terms of feel and response when typing or gaming. Since the travel distances are equal, users can choose between the two based on other factors, such as tactile feedback, actuation force, or personal preference, without worrying about differences in travel length affecting their experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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) linear switch is characterized by a resonant and high-pitched nature, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience when typing. This bright sound signature enhances the immersion, making each keystroke feel distinct and engaging. In contrast, while the TTC Yunhai's specific sound profile is not elaborated upon, it is known to have a unique typing experience that suggests it may differ significantly from the Baby Raccoon's brighter tones. However, since the auditory qualities of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, users may find that their setups lead to varied experiences regardless of switch selection.
In terms of typing feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensation, providing a smooth and lively typing experience with noticeable tactile feedback. This combination results in smooth key travel while still delivering an engaging tactile response that can be particularly enjoyable during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is noted for its feathery feel, which means it requires minimal force to actuate. This quality makes the Yunhai ideal for extended use, as it allows for less finger fatigue compared to the more dynamically engrossing feel of the Baby Raccoon. While the tactile experience between the two switches clearly diverges, both aim for user comfort in their unique ways.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) is a resonant and high-pitched linear switch that provides a rich auditory and tactile experience characterized by smoothness and feedback, while the TTC Yunhai offers a gentler feel with a light actuation force. Together, they cater to different preferences in both sound and typing feel, making either option capable of delivering enjoyable experiences under various setups. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on the user's preference for sound clarity versus typing ease, ensuring a diverse landscape for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and needs. If you appreciate a medium bottom out force coupled with a bright, high-pitched sound signature and a refreshingly crispy typing experience, then the Baby Raccoon (V2) would be a fantastic choice for you. Its unique marbley feel, combined with its creamy, bouncy texture, makes it ideal for those who seek an invigorating and polished typing sensation, enhancing both your gaming and typing productivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai switch should be your go-to. With its deep, rounded sound profile and feathery actuation, it is particularly suited for users who engage in extended typing sessions and want to minimize finger fatigue. In short, your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force should guide your decision between these two distinct switches, ensuring you select the one that best fits your unique typing style and comfort level.
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