Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Baby Raccoon (V2) is a linear switch known for its bright sound signature and crisp type feel, attributed to its lengthened switch stems. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that blends tradition with innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. While the Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a marbly typing experience, the Jupiter Brown provides a polished and stepped feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. However, the bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon (V2) is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material.
While both the Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Jupiter Brown feature similar polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Baby Raccoon (V2) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Baby Raccoon (V2) allows for a balanced typing experience, with the characteristics of each material influencing the sound and feel of the switch in different ways. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown maintains consistency with polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a more consistent sound profile throughout typing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will depend on the sound profile and typing experience desired by the user. The Baby Raccoon (V2) offers a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings, resulting in a balanced sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown maintains consistency with polycarbonate housings, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout typing. Both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall typing experience, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Baby Raccoon (V2) is lighter in terms of bottom out force, requiring 63 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 70 grams. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. The lighter bottom out force of the Baby Raccoon (V2) may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Jupiter Brown offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Baby Raccoon may appeal to those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Jupiter Brown may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for users who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80.
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 (V2) linear switch is often described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) is frequently characterized as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with spring-like feedback. In comparison, the Jupiter Brown is described as mild, polished, and stepped, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. These switches cater to different preferences in terms of feedback and actuation force, providing users with a variety of tactile sensations to choose from.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch is best known for its bright sound signature and crisp type feel, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch blends tradition with innovation, marrying reliable performance with aesthetic appeal. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer the resonant and marbly sound of the Baby Raccoon (V2) or the mild and polished feel of the Jupiter Brown, exploring these switches can help you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for the bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon (V2) with 63 grams might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a bright, resonant, and high-pitched sound profile with a marbly feel, the Baby Raccoon (V2) could be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 70 grams and appreciate a more classic keystroke feel with polished qualities, the Jupiter Brown tactile switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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