Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Beer tactile switches, it becomes clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Beer switches stand out with their translucent green color, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility that gives a subtle typing feel. Both switches are categorized as 'clacky', but the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is described as 'high-pitched' and 'resonant' while the Beer is noted for being 'easy-to-press'. Overall, if you prefer a more pronounced tactility and a bouncy typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a lighter switch with a unique color and a stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer could be the ideal option. 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
59g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Beer, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone during typing.
While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes different housing materials for the top and bottom, the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, with a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The Beer switch's translucency also makes it suitable for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. In contrast, the Baby Kangaroo (V2)'s nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, showcasing the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Gateron Beer switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) combines polycarbonate and nylon for a varied sound experience, the Gateron Beer maintains consistency with polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. Whether choosing a switch with a mix of materials or a uniform build, the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is crucial in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Beer tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is also heavier at 67 grams, while the Beer switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Beer switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) being better suited for users who prefer a heavier feel, while the Beer switch is great for those who like a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch moves when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo or the Beer switch, you can expect the same level of key travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing feel across both switches.
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 Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and resonant auditory experience with a high-pitched and clean sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer a distinctive sound signature, but the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more varied and complex auditory experience compared to the Beer.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is characterized by its snappy and bouncy feedback, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. The switches are polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience. The switches are stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel that differentiates them from the continuous curve of round tactility found in other switches.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a more dynamic and tactile typing experience with its unique sound and feel profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a crisp and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a smoother and gentler typing experience with its easy-to-press actuation and stepped tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant and responsive typing experience or a smoother and easier-to-press feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a stepped tactility, and a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Beer switch will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you're looking for.
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