Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two unique mechanical keyboard switches for all the keyboard enthusiasts out there: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Box Jade. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp, light tactility with a marbley sound profile. Its switch characteristics include being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Box Jade is a clicky switch that delivers a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. Known for its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is categorized as high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy. While these general pointers give you an overview of each switch's qualities, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Kailh Box Jade switches share similar housing materials, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This polycarbonate material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature. It also lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, users can expect to experience a similar sound and visual effect when using both switches.
However, the differences in the switches lie in their bottom housings. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Box Jade also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar effect of a deeper and fuller sound profile.
When using either switch, the qualities associated with the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, users can expect slight variations in the typing experience between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Kailh Box Jade switches, primarily influenced by the specific characteristics of their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is slightly higher at 59 grams compared to the Box Jade's 50 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively similar actuation forces, resulting in a similar feel when typing.
In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo is once again slightly heavier with a force of 67 grams compared to the Box Jade's 60 grams. This means that when pressing the Baby Kangaroo switch all the way down, it requires a slightly greater force. However, both switches fall into the medium weight range, providing a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches like the Box Jade, as it allows for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. This can be especially beneficial for those who use their keyboard for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Baby Kangaroo or switches with heavier forces, as it provides a stronger push feel.
Overall, while the Baby Kangaroo has slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Box Jade, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of typing feel. The choice between the two primarily depends on personal preference, with some individuals favoring the lighter weight of the Box Jade and others opting for the slightly heavier feedback of the Baby Kangaroo.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem negligible, but it can have an impact on the user experience. The Baby Kangaroo, with its shorter travel distance, is a good option for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, resulting in faster action in games. On the other hand, the Box Jade, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. The extra 0.2 mm of travel creates a sense of depth and tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If speed and responsiveness are your priority, the Baby Kangaroo may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke, the Box Jade could be the switch for you.
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 Kailh Box Jade 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 switch is best described as having a crisp and bright profile. These switches are known for their clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy when pressed. Additionally, they have a marbly sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. The sound produced is resonant and high-pitched, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade switch also produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch, it offers a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the Box Jade switch is specifically described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This adds a unique texture to the sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for being snappy and lively. This responsiveness is thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, making typing feel more alive. Additionally, these switches provide a bouncy sensation, giving the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback. The Baby Kangaroo switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an invigorating typing sensation. These switches provide pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. While the exact tactile description is not given, it is mentioned that the Box Jade switch falls into the category of being "medium tactile," offering a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch and the Kailh Box Jade switch have some distinct differences in sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile with a higher-pitched and resonant tone. It has a snappy and bouncy feel with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound while providing an invigorating typing sensation. While these switches have their unique qualities, if you prefer a highly responsive and lively typing experience with a sharp sound profile, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, then the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, along with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, and enjoy the crunchy tactile bumps and crisp clicks while typing, then the Kailh Box Jade switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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