Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Acacia, renowned for its medium-light weight, comes with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for typists seeking a smooth and consistent linear feel right out of the box. In contrast, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) presents a tactile option with its crisp and light switch-like tactility, paired with a unique marbly sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. For those who thrive on the uninterrupted flow of linear switches, the Acacia is likely appealing; conversely, those who enjoy a satisfying feedback with each keystroke may gravitate towards the playful nature of the Baby Kangaroo (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a notably sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This similarity in material choice contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience upon key engagement. Given that polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances the switches' acoustic qualities, which is particularly advantageous for users looking for an enhanced sound experience when using RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of the material allows light to pass through effectively. Consequently, whether one is working with the Acacia or the Baby Kangaroo (V2), users can expect a vibrant and bright sound response associated with the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, which introduces a contrasting auditory and tactile experience. The nylon material, recognized for its softer and more sound-absorbing properties, imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens the overall noise produced when pressing the keys. As such, while the top housings of both switches share similar characteristics that produce a clearer sound, the nylon bottom housings of both the Acacia and the Baby Kangaroo (V2) serve to round out and soften the acoustic output, resulting in a balanced auditory profile that combines sharpness from the top housing with depth from the bottom.
To summarize, the combination of materials used in both the Acacia and the Baby Kangaroo (V2) creates a unique interplay of sound properties. The similarity of polycarbonate in the top housing empowers both switches to produce a crisp sound signature, while the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a deep and plush sound experience. This synergy implies that even if there might be subtle differences in feel or acoustics based on the overall design, users can expect similar high-quality acoustic results when engaging with either switch. Such cohesive design choices illustrate the importance of housing materials in mechanical switch performance and the distinctive auditory output they facilitate.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams along with a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during extended use like long gaming sessions or workdays. In contrast, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial, tactile feel while typing. This medium-heavy resistance can provide a satisfying push-back for users who enjoy a more robust key press. Therefore, while the Huano Acacia is the lighter option overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) caters to those seeking a heavier switch, offering distinct experiences for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This one-millimeter difference makes the Acacia the longer option, providing a deeper feel for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to its more immediate activation. Both switches fall below the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, reflecting a modern trend toward shorter actuation for enhanced speed. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be your choice, while the Acacia caters to those who prefer a fuller keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for $5.50.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch has not been specified, leaving it somewhat of an unknown in this aspect. However, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a clacky and marbly sound profile. The crisp, bright, and percussive quality of the Baby Kangaroo’s sound, combined with its resonant high-pitched tones, creates an engaging typing atmosphere. The specific sound characteristics of the Acacia might be quieter or more muted in comparison, but this can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, leading to an overall different auditory experience when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch also lacks detailed descriptions, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the tactile feedback of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2). The Baby Kangaroo switches are celebrated for their snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. This responsiveness makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, creating an enjoyable typing experience. The bounce effect can enhance typing speed, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Without specifics on the Acacia's feel, it's difficult to ascertain how it matches up to the tactile joy of the Baby Kangaroo.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch presents some unknowns, particularly in terms of sound and feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out for its vibrant auditory and tactile qualities. The Baby Kangaroo offers a distinctly engaging experience characterized by its bright sound and responsive feel, making it an exciting choice for those who appreciate an interactive typing experience. If the Acacia switches provide a more muted experience, they might still offer excellent typing performance thanks to their factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which could lead to a similarly satisfying experience, albeit with potentially different characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the decision between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia might be the better choice for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force, excellent factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, it offers a comfortable and responsive feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a richer auditory experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a fantastic option. Its medium-heavy force, combined with a snappy and bouncy feel, provides a lively typing sensation, appealing to those who appreciate tactile switches for both gaming and writing. Additionally, the clacky, marbly sound profile can enhance your typing experience if you favor a more engaging auditory feedback. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the smoothness and ease of the Acacia or the tactile responsiveness of the Baby Kangaroo—as you make your choice.
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