Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Hyacinth, both of which are linear switches. The Baby Raccoon is known for its unique characteristics, offering a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel. This is achieved through its lengthened switch stems, which are 0.64mm longer than typical stems. The result is a switch that can be best described as "marbley." On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches are designed with a 3.5mm travel distance, chosen to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with longer-stem switches. The Hyacinth aims to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Notably, it deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Hyacinth both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches' clear housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, making them visually appealing options for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Hyacinth provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, the qualities each housing material brings are split between the top and bottom, influencing different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's characteristics have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall auditory experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Hyacinth offer similar benefits and sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. However, the nuances of their sound and feel may vary based on the specific design choices made by each manufacturer. Nevertheless, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience and are excellent choices for those seeking quality housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams, making the Hyacinth the lighter option. Both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Baby Raccoon requiring 63 grams and the Hyacinth requiring 56 grams.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth switch would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon's heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience. This can enhance accuracy and overall satisfaction while typing.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches are not identical, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out, regardless of the slight differences in force. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, with the Hyacinth offering a lighter touch and the Baby Raccoon providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a trend towards shorter travel distances in keyboards. This shift is due to the preference of gamers for quicker response times. If you value fast and responsive keystrokes, the Baby Raccoon with its slightly longer travel distance may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Hyacinth with its slightly shorter travel distance may provide a more satisfactory experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch stands out with its resonant and marbly sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched and clean sound that can be compared to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the satisfying collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile and is suitable for most intents and purposes, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a range of characteristics that contribute to a unique typing experience. These switches provide a creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in effortless key travel and reduced friction. They also have a bouncy and invigorating feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a snappy reaction. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky and subtle feel. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The resistance is gentle yet maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Hyacinth linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Raccoon offers a resonant and marbly sound profile with a creamy, bouncy, and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile with a silky and subtle feel. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a similar result with the Hyacinth, you can expect a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience, but without the specific characteristics of the Baby Raccoon. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is the choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems and a bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a marbley sound profile that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Typing on Baby Raccoons can be described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, or polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the one to go for. With a bottom out force of 56 grams and a 3.5mm travel distance, the Hyacinth aims to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth is described as having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a gentle resistance. Ultimately, the choice between Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Hyacinth depends on your preferences for sound and feel, as both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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