Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce two mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Baby Raccoon. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a delightful marbley sound profile. It falls under the categories of being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon stands out with its bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp typing experience, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. With a switch stem 0.64mm longer than typical stems, it boasts a unique marbly feel. The Baby Raccoon is categorized as resonant, marbly, high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished. These general descriptions provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20mm long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Baby Raccoon both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. With similar descriptions, it can be inferred that both the Baby Kangaroo and the Baby Raccoon will deliver comparable sound profiles and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Baby Raccoon incorporate nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, it can be expected that both the Baby Kangaroo and the Baby Raccoon will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, allowing users to enjoy the deep and satisfying sound produced by these switches.
However, it is essential to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material will affect different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and the Baby Raccoon may have similar qualities in their respective top and bottom housings, the distribution of these qualities will vary, offering users a slightly different experience depending on which part of the switch they interact with.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch, it is evident that there are slight differences between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Baby Raccoon's 55 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Baby Kangaroo having 67 grams and the Baby Raccoon having 63 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the difference between the two switches is not as significant.
Considering the weight of the switches is an important aspect to consider. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time, which is beneficial for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience, so they may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Baby Kangaroo can provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force.
Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation force between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches, they provide similar results in terms of bottom out force. The Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Baby Raccoon offers a lighter option for individuals who prefer longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Baby Raccoon has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Baby Raccoon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. However, both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon with its longer travel distance might be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch provides a crisp and light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile. This sound can be described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. It offers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is also characterized by a bright sound signature and a refreshingly crisp feel. It shares the marbly sound profile with the Baby Kangaroo and provides a resonant and high-pitched sound when pressed. Both switches offer clean, sharp, and immersive auditory experiences due to their resonance, making them suitable for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch can be described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. It offers a super responsive typing experience due to its snappiness, which is often the result of longer or dual-staged springs. This switch also provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. With this switch, you can expect a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. It also offers a spring-like feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Just like the Baby Kangaroo, the Baby Raccoon also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. It offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, giving a super responsive and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Baby Raccoon shares the marbly sound profile and provides a bright sound signature. It offers a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and immersive typing experience. While they have distinct characteristics, both switches ensure a clean and sharp sound profile, as well as reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you prefer a similar sound and feel, opting for either switch will provide you with comparable results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is a great option. It is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch is a suitable choice. It is characterized by a bright sound signature and refreshingly crisp type feel, thanks to its lengthened switch stems. The sound profile of the Baby Raccoon can be described as resonant, marbly, and high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience, while the Baby Raccoon provides a creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience and auditory preferences.
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