KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, both of which are tactile switches. The Ash Gray is known for its subtle yet satisfying tactile response, combining a light touch with a crisp actuation. This switch offers a delicate blend of tactile feedback that isn't overwhelming, but still provides a noticeable sensation. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo switch is highly regarded for its crisp and light tactility, accompanied by a unique marble-like sound profile. This switch has a clacky and high-pitched feel, giving it a distinct resonance. It also offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those looking to incorporate lighting effects into their keyboard setup. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the Ash Gray and Baby Kangaroo will provide similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Where the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Ash Gray utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo also opts for a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities as the Ash Gray in terms of sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. As both the Ash Gray and the Baby Kangaroo share the same nylon bottom housing, the typing experience will be comparable in terms of the depth and fullness of sound produced. However, it is important to note that the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the bottom housing contributes to the overall experience, the top housing material is crucial in determining the sound profile upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo requires a stronger push of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams of force to fully press down, while the Baby Kangaroo has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Ash Gray provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo offers a medium-heavy typing experience, which appeals to those who desire a more substantial and tactile keystroke. For users seeking comparable results, it would be advisable to choose options with similar actuation and bottom out forces to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have grown popular in recent times, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo may be a good choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer the Ash Gray switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for either a snappier response or a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is best known for its subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback. When using these switches, you can expect a light touch with a crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. The Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, striking a balance between being noticeable without being too distracting. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. The sound of the Ash Gray switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a different experience. Users of these switches often describe a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile. The sound of the Baby Kangaroo switch is characterized as clacky, meaning it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it is also described as marbly, resonant, and high-pitched. These descriptors indicate that the sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo switch is resonant, high-pitched, clean, and creates an immersive auditory experience. This switch provides a unique typing sound that can be compared to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This means that minimal force is required to activate the switch, resulting in a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The overall typing feel of the Ash Gray switch is responsive and comfortable. Alternatively, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. It is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Ash Gray and Baby Kangaroo tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a light and crisp tactile feedback with a moderate and neutral sound profile. It offers easy-to-press and mild characteristics, enhancing the typing experience with responsiveness and low-impact. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a more pronounced and unique sound profile that is clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. It provides a snappy and bouncy feel with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, and users can achieve similar results by considering their desired sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a light touch and crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. It has an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Ash Gray also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is the way to go. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. It has a clacky sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo is also polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Baby Kangaroo depends on your personal preference for switch weight, tactile feedback, and sound profile. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment when making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your needs and brings you the most satisfaction.
Mentioned in this article
