Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp, light tactile feedback with a distinctive marbley sound profile, making typing feel bouncy and polished. On the other hand, the Box CJ switch combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the smooth push feel, resulting in higher-pitched clacks and a neutral, chirpy typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a tactile bump and a snappy feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is a great choice. However, if you value speed and smoothness in your typing experience, the Box CJ switch may be more suitable. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Box CJ, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate is also highlighted for its usefulness in switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Box CJ differ in their bottom housing material, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) featuring a nylon bottom housing. Typing on the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Box CJ's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the Baby Kangaroo (V2), the nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the top housing of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with polycarbonate material impacts the sound when releasing a key, creating a sharp and resonant sound profile. Similarly, the Gateron Box CJ with polycarbonate top and bottom housing delivers a consistent, sharp sound profile throughout typing and releasing keys, showcasing the characteristics of polycarbonate in both areas of the switch.
In conclusion, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Box CJ share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their differences in bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a contrast between a crisp sound on key release and a deep sound on key press. Conversely, the Gateron Box CJ maintains a consistent sharp sound profile due to its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, while the Box CJ needs 45 grams to actuate and 57 grams to bottom out. This makes the Box CJ the lighter option in terms of force required for typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Box CJ, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. In both cases, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience, so choosing the right switch based on force preference is essential for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Box CJ linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Box CJ may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offering a shorter travel distance and the Box CJ offering a longer one.
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 Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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 (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, delivering crisp and high-pitched sounds reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a higher-pitched clack that is more neutral and chirpy, providing a unique acoustic signature. The sound produced by both switches would offer a different auditory experience, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) being sharper and resonant compared to the Box CJ.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience with a polished finish for smoother key travel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle yet still maintains a level of responsiveness. The Box CJ's smooth push feel that glides effortlessly would contrast with the more energetic bounce of the Baby Kangaroo (V2).
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in producing a crisp, high-pitched sound with a lively and polished typing feel, while the Box CJ delivers a higher-pitched clack and a mild, smooth push feel. Your choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more energetic and resonant typing experience with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or a gentle yet responsive feel with the Box CJ. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique sound profile described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, higher-pitched clack with a medium-light bottom out force and a swift, smooth push feel, then the Box CJ linear switch may better suit your typing style. Consider your sound and feel preferences when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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