Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two incredible mechanical keyboard switches with unique features and advantages. On one hand, we have the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch that provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a distinctive marbley sound profile. This switch is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, we have the Gazzew Bobagum, a linear switch that redefines smoothness with its almost 'matte' feel. Although not as polished as ice-skating, nor as textured as unlubed switches, the Bobagum switch offers an unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind. Moreover, it provides a nearly silent sound profile when typing, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more muted and subtle experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gazzew Bobagum have some distinct differences in their housing materials which contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, resulting in a clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound. This is achieved through the softness of the blend, allowing for a warmer and more resonant sound. While the materials differ, both switches produce satisfying results and enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo employs a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Bobagum also utilizes the proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softness allows for a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer unique acoustic characteristics, where the Baby Kangaroo emphasizes depth and the Bobagum focuses on richness.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound experience, we can see differences between the two switches. When pressing down on the Baby Kangaroo, the qualities of its nylon bottom housing will be more noticeable since it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact will be more pronounced from the polycarbonate top housing. This contrast allows for a dynamic and varied sound profile. Similarly, with the Bobagum, the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing, featuring the same blend, enhances the sound when releasing a key. Although these switches have differing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both contribute to a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the impact of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Bobagum's 46 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have similar forces. The Baby Kangaroo has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Bobagum has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Bobagum switch may be favored by these individuals, as it allows for easier keystroke triggering. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who desire a more substantial push feel during typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a higher actuation force compared to the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, while both have similar bottom out forces. Depending on personal preferences, individuals can select the switch that suits their desired typing experience, either opting for a lighter actuation force with the Bobagum or a heavier actuation force with the Baby Kangaroo.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and will provide a faster response time. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for this reason. However, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo may feel too abrupt for some users who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Bobagum may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50 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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its crisp, light tactility and marbley sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is described as clacky and high-pitched. The sound profile is resonant and clean, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The keys have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers an unparalleled tactility and nearly silent sound profile. These switches redefine smoothness with a subtle and gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel. The sound of the Bobagum switches is muted and soft, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the specific sound descriptors are not provided, the Bobagum switches offer a unique matte feel that is described as not quite the polished glide of ice-skating nor the texture of unlubed switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switches have a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that is resonant and clean. They provide a snappy and bouncy feel, with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Bobagum switches have a muted and nearly silent sound profile, with a subtle and gentle typing feel. They offer a unique matte feel that redefines smoothness. While the specific sound descriptors for the Bobagum switches are unknown, they provide a one-of-a-kind tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a crisp, light tactile feedback that is complemented by a unique marbley sound profile. Their clacky and marbly attributes provide a sharp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are an excellent option. These switches redefine smoothness with a matte-like feel and offer unparalleled tactility. They also provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and distinct sound of the Baby Kangaroo switches or the smoothness and quietness of the Bobagum switches.
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