Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct characteristics are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Black Lotus. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp and light tactility, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. It falls into the categories of being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Black Lotus switch boasts a silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for enhanced typing pleasure. With a moderate 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial and not too hefty. One standout feature of the Black Lotus is its removable light column, providing in-switch lighting. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Black Lotus differ in their top housings. The Baby Kangaroo uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing that provides a unique and premium feel. While there is no specific information on its sound profile, the Durock Black Lotus is likely to offer a different acoustic experience compared to the Gateron Baby Kangaroo due to its distinct material composition.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Black Lotus share the same nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing. Users can expect a satisfying deeper sound and a more cushioned typing experience with both switches.
Since the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to its overall sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Black Lotus will offer distinctive auditory experiences. The bottom housing of the switch primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo may provide a sharper and crisper sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Black Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may offer a different tactile and auditory response. Nonetheless, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing that is characteristic of this classic housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Black Lotus requires a slightly lighter force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force to press all the way down, while the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams. Both switches exhibit a similar medium-heavy bottom out force.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, making the Black Lotus a potential choice for those individuals with its slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prioritize a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo with its slightly heavier actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, both switches offer comparable results, ensuring a consistent feel when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the decision between the Baby Kangaroo and the Black Lotus may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the former being slightly heavier and the latter being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch are noticeably different. The Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly shallower experience when pressing down on a key compared to the Black Lotus.
Traditionally, a 4 mm travel distance is considered standard, while a 3 mm travel distance is more shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo may be preferred by those looking for increased responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer, more substantial feel when typing or gaming.
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 Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 tactile switch offers a unique experience. It is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This can be compared to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a good choice. However, if the sound profile is not a deciding factor for you, both switches can still provide a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy sensation. It is described as providing a spring-like or elastic feedback, making the typing experience feel more alive. The keys have a lively feel and offer rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of materials or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a silky and buttery typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a more responsive and bouncy typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be suitable. However, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing sensation, the Black Lotus switch would be a great choice.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch stands out for its unique sound profile, offering a clacky and marbly experience. It also provides a snappy and bouncy feel through its spring-like feedback and polished finish. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its silky and buttery typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a seamless feel. Both switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the sound profile of the Black Lotus switch is unknown, it can still deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, reduced housing and stem wobble, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for sound and feel as well, as the Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, while the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished in terms of feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound.
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