Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Kailh Box Navy

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo delivers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. Its qualities are described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Box Navy is renowned for providing a heavy typing experience reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. If you prefer the satisfying click and feel of a clicky switch, the Box Navy is the perfect fit, with its sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff qualities. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Box Navy switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Both switches share these qualities, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon, while the Box Navy also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer this characteristic, allowing users to enjoy a more immersive typing experience with a rich and satisfying sound.

While the top and bottom housings of the switches differ, the impact on the sound and feel of the typing experience is distinct. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound and feel when bottoming out, will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, whether it's the Gateron Baby Kangaroo or the Kailh Box Navy, users can expect a well-rounded and customizable typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo switch is slightly lighter, coming in at 59 grams, while the Box Navy switch requires 60 grams of force to actuate. Although the difference is minimal, those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Baby Kangaroo switch more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Navy switch is significantly heavier, requiring 90 grams of force compared to the 67 grams of the Baby Kangaroo switch. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, which some individuals prefer for a tactile feedback. Thus, those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience should opt for the Kailh Box Navy switch, while those favoring a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it is clear that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter distance of 3.4 mm while the Box Navy has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of their relationship to the most traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both of these switches fall on the shorter side. This means that if you prefer a more responsive press, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing, the Box Navy's slightly longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a faster response or a more hearty depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo is best described as having a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. The sound is clean, crisp, and bright, with a higher-pitched tone that can provide an immersive auditory experience.

On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy is also described as having a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. Additionally, it is referred to as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Although not as extensive in description as the Baby Kangaroo, the Box Navy's sound can be expected to have a higher pitch and satisfyingly crisp feedback.

Moving on to feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. With longer or dual-staged springs, these switches provide a super responsive and lively feel. They have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy is described as having a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. It offers a pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel with each keypress. While it does not explicitly mention a bouncy or polished feel, the strong tactile bump and immersive typing sensation suggest a lively and satisfying tactile experience.

To summarize, both switches have their unique subjective qualities. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp, light, and tactile switch with a marbly and high-pitched sound profile. It provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy provides a heavy typing experience with a crunchy sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. It offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, with a snappy and reactive feel. Overall, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results, whether you prefer a lighter and bouncier typing experience with a marbly sound or a heavier, crunchier feel with prominent feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with crisp tactility and a unique marbly sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is ideal for you. These switches provide a snappy and bouncy typing experience, thanks to their responsive spring and polished finish. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a vintage clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect fit. These switches offer a sharp tactile bump and a resonant, clean sound profile. They are known for their invigorating and stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the weight of the switch, the sound profile, and the feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more