Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the KTT Orange, also a linear switch. The Baby Raccoon stands out for its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing feel, which is attributed to its lengthened switch stems. They are often described as "marbley" and fall under categories such as "resonant," "bouncy," and "invigorating." On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches offer a bouncy typing experience with their 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, they provide a slick and frictionless feel, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Factory-lubed for enhanced smoothness, these switches are often categorized as "bouncy," "frictionless," and "low-pitched." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm long spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Orange, one notable similarity is that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects in both switches. Therefore, if you are looking for switches that offer a similar sound profile and aesthetics, both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Orange with their polycarbonate top housings would be excellent options.
However, a key difference lies in the bottom housings of these switches. The Baby Raccoon features a nylon bottom housing, while the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate one. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to its overall sound profile, producing a sharper and more resonant tone. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switch are significantly influenced by the qualities brought about by the bottom housing.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the KTT Orange share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a similar sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Raccoon creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to a sharper and more resonant tone. The specific qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Raccoon has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making it a bit heavier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the Baby Raccoon has a higher bottom out force of 63 grams as compared to the Orange's 53 grams. This means that the Baby Raccoon provides a slightly stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Orange switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, whether for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, it is important to note that while the forces of the two switches differ, they both fall within the medium to medium-light range, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feedback and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter touch.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Orange's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, appreciate shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be beneficial. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In such cases, selecting the switch with the longer travel distance would be more suitable. So while the Baby Raccoon offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Orange, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches are best described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. Typing on these switches will provide a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches have a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the sound of the switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, those seeking a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience may find the Baby Raccoon switches more suitable, while those preferring a deeper and smoother tone may prefer the Orange switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Baby Raccoon switches are described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation where your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, these switches provide a bouncy and spring-like feedback, adding a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The invigorating sensation they offer comes from pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Moreover, the polished finish of the Baby Raccoon switches ensures reduced friction, resulting in smooth key travel.
Similarly, the KTT Orange switches also have a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback. The keys offer a lively sensation and rebound upon pressing. Moreover, these switches are described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Thanks to excellent factory-lubing, the Orange switches guarantee a refined and fluid key travel, maximizing smoothness.
Taking into consideration all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Orange switches offer unique qualities. The Baby Raccoon switches excel in providing a bright, marbly sound signature and a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches offer a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches prioritize smoothness and provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences in terms of sound pitch and tactile feedback, newcomers can choose either switch to achieve similar levels of enjoyment and performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch would be a suitable choice. These switches are best known for their bright sound signature and refreshing crisp typing feel, thanks to their lengthened switch stems. They are described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched, offering a clean and sharp sound profile. In terms of feel, they are described as creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with pronounced feedback and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a good option. These switches feature a bouncy type feel due to the 22mm long spring they come with. With their polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, the Orange switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. They are described as bouncy and frictionless, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Raccoon and KTT Orange linear switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the medium bottom out force and marbly sound profile of the Baby Raccoon for a crisp and immersive auditory experience, combined with its creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a bouncy, frictionless feel, the KTT Orange switches would be a great fit.
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