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Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Kailh Box White

An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

We are super excited to be offering these Baby Kangaroo switches, known for their crisp, light switch-like tactility and unique marbley sound profile. With a range of descriptors including clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, we are pleased to offer the clicky Box White switch for those who desire maximum audio feedback. This switch provides a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility when typing. Categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the Box White switch offers a different level of auditory and tactile satisfaction. 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

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

Yes

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 the Kailh Box White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic value of having a clear housing is also a common feature of both switches. This transparency is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through the switch for an enhanced visual effect.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material, while the Box White also uses nylon. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile in switches due to its softer nature. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.

In summary, the primary difference between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Box White lies in their bottom housings. The Baby Kangaroo has a nylon bottom housing, while the Box White also features a nylon bottom housing. This means that the top housings, which are both made of polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will offer similar results due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Box White requires a slightly lighter 50 grams. This means that the Box White is the lighter option, which may be preferred by those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires a heavier 67 grams of force to fully press the key down, while the Box White requires 60 grams. Here, the Baby Kangaroo is the heavier option, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Considering weight is important as it impacts the user's typing experience. Some individuals may appreciate a lighter switch that enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a switch with a heavier force for a more satisfying and substantial typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kailh Box White. While the Box White is the lighter option, both switches fall within the medium range and provide similar results for those seeking similar forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Baby Kangaroo is slightly shorter than the Box White.

For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo may be the preferred choice. Gamers, for instance, often opt for shorter travel distances to ensure quicker keystrokes. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If a more substantial feel is desired, the Box White, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky nature of the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and percussive quality. Additionally, the marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, resembling the tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch also offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. This gives it a clean and sharp auditory experience. Furthermore, the Box White switch is often described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer resonant and high-pitched sound profiles, but the Baby Kangaroo has an additional clacky and marbly characteristic, while the Box White provides a distinct crunchy sound.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, which indicates a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is often achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, adding liveliness to each keystroke. Moreover, the Baby Kangaroo switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel with a rebound effect upon being pressed. In addition to this, the switch is known for its polished feel. This means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to its polished sensation. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch is primarily recognized for its polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and enhanced key travel. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished experience, with the Baby Kangaroo having additional snappy and bouncy qualities, making it more responsive and lively.

Considering the available information, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Kailh Box White switches offer similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel. They both produce resonant and high-pitched sound profiles that deliver sharp and crisp auditory experiences. Additionally, they offer a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Baby Kangaroo switch stands out with its unique clacky sound and marbly sound profile. It also provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience, making it more responsive and lively. Therefore, if the user desires a similar auditory and tactile experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp and light tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is a great choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams and offers a clacky and marbly sound when pressed. Additionally, it provides a snappy and bouncy feel, making your typing experience more alive. On the other hand, if you prefer maximum audio feedback and enjoy the sound of stepping on autumn leaves, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it delivers a resonant and high-pitched sound. Moreover, it shares the same polished feel as the Baby Kangaroo switch, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.

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