Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, stand out in their own right. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is known for its frictionless and silky feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, offers a crisp and light tactility along with a distinctive marbly sound profile. The Aqua King is categorized as subdued, creamy, and frictionless, while the Baby Kangaroo is described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. Both switches are polished and provide their own unique typing experiences. 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
46g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo share many similarities due to both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it suitable for users looking to incorporate vibrant lighting into their keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences when using either the Aqua King or the Baby Kangaroo due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, the main point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to its overall sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, delivering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Baby Kangaroo, providing a distinct auditory experience compared to the Aqua King.
When it comes to the tactile feedback and sound experience, the qualities of the bottom housing play a crucial role. Pressing down on the Aqua King will showcase the impact of its polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a pronounced bottom-out sound and tactile feel. Conversely, the Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing will influence the sound and feel upon bottoming out the key, producing a softer and less pronounced effect. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Both switches, therefore, offer unique auditory experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, the Aqua King has a lighter feel overall. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier feel, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This means that the Aqua King requires less force to trigger a keystroke and also has a lighter overall feel when bottoming out. This lighter feel may make the Aqua King a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need a keyboard for extended periods of use. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Kangaroo may be more desirable. Overall, both switches offer a different tactile experience, but those seeking a lighter touch may find the Aqua King more suitable, while the Baby Kangaroo provides a heavier and more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. The Aqua King's travel distance of 4.0 mm falls within the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm caters to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo would be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Aqua King's longer travel distance would be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed. It produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a variety of sound profiles. It is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, it is marbly, which means it has a resonant, high-pitched sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. The Baby Kangaroo switch also has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, while the Aqua King has a more subdued sound, the Baby Kangaroo offers a range of distinctive sound profiles, providing a different auditory experience.
When considering feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys on an ice skating rink, creating a magical sensation. The Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, all of which contribute to the smooth and effortless typing experience it offers. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. It has a snappy and bouncy feedback that gives the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo switch also shares the polished attribute with the Aqua King, indicating a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Aqua King focusing on a frictionless and creamy feel, while the Baby Kangaroo emphasizes a snappy and bouncy feedback.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound with a frictionless and creamy feel, reminiscent of ice skating, while the Baby Kangaroo delivers a range of sound profiles with a snappy and bouncy tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the Aqua King for a smoother and quieter typing experience, while the Baby Kangaroo offers a more dynamic and lively typing experience. However, it is important to remember that other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. In instances where the desired qualities are similar, such as the polished attribute, both switches can provide a similar smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a smooth, effortless typing feel that can be compared to gliding your fingers across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. The Aqua King also has a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile feedback, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is worth considering. These switches offer a crisp, light switch-like tactility that is accompanied by a marbley sound profile. The Baby Kangaroo switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch depends on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. If you prioritize a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile feedback with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Baby Kangaroo is the switch for you. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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