Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different types can greatly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch, is celebrated for its crisp and light tactility, which provides a satisfying feedback while typing. This switch features a distinct marbley sound profile characterized by clackiness and high-pitched resonation, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile stimulation. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is designed to deliver a smooth and unbroken keystroke with a more subdued sound. Its construction with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing allows for a balanced sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Choosing between these switches often boils down to personal preference: the Baby Kangaroo caters to enthusiasts seeking tactile feedback and sound, while the Briny suits those favoring a serene and uninterrupted keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Keygeek Briny exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, providing a more resonant acoustics during typing. Moreover, because polycarbonate is translucent, it allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch. In contrast, the Briny uses a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound to a greater extent. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to be rounder and less piercing compared to the more vibrant sound of the Baby Kangaroo (V2). The choice of material in these switches plays a critical role in how each is perceived—either as lively and clear or warm and subdued.
On the other hand, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Keygeek Briny utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which allows them to share some acoustic qualities. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent properties, which contribute to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to the material's sound absorption capabilities. This similarity means that regardless of the contrasting top housings, both switches will deliver a satisfying bottom-out experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound when pressed. The impact of the bottom housing is especially prominent during this phase of use, as it influences the tactile feedback and auditory feedback experienced by users.
Consequently, the distinct combination of housing materials in these switches creates a unique typing experience while still allowing for some shared acoustic characteristics. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a bright and clear top-end sound profile due to its polycarbonate housing, the Keygeek Briny leans towards a deeper and softer sound with its nylon top. However, both switches ultimately benefit from the nylon bottom, ensuring that users can expect a fuller sound when bottoming out. This balance of materials allows enthusiasts to choose between a more pronounced sound or a warmer tone, catering to varied preferences in keyboard acoustics while achieving similar underlying sound qualities through the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the Keygeek Briny linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Briny switch features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming would likely prefer the Briny switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Overall, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the heavier option, whereas the Briny is the lighter switch, offering contrasting experiences to cater to varied preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Briny boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Baby Kangaroo (V2) the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that can be appealing to gamers who favor a more immediate feel. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny's longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, making the choice between them largely dependent on whether one values speed (in the case of the Baby Kangaroo) or depth (with the Briny).
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 (V2) offers a distinctive auditory profile that is characterized by a combination of clackiness and a marbly quality. When typing, users will notice a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright, providing an engaging auditory experience. The marbly aspect enhances this with a high-pitched resonance, akin to the sound of billiard balls colliding or tapping on a solid piece of marble, contributing to a clean, immersive sound. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny linear switch has a balanced sound profile, but specific details regarding its sound characteristics are less clearly defined. This suggests that while the Briny may not have the same distinct sound qualities of the Baby Kangaroo, it likely provides a more subdued auditory experience appropriate for those who prefer quieter typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its responsive and lively performance. The snappy nature of the switch, often attributed to its design, allows for a quick response that many typists appreciate. Adding to this is the bouncy sensation that provides an elastic feedback, enhancing the overall tactile interaction. The polished finish of the Baby Kangaroo contributes to a smoother key travel, reducing friction and making for an enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Keygeek Briny linear switch, making it difficult to compare it directly with the tactile dynamism of the Baby Kangaroo.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch stands out for its crisp, playful sound and highly responsive, refined feel, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. The Keygeek Briny linear switch, while possessing a balanced sound profile, lacks the detail provided for its sound and feel characteristics, leaving some uncertainty. If you desire lively feedback and auditory fulfillment, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the clear choice, while the Briny may be better suited for those seeking a more subdued experience with unknown tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, combined with its crisp, snappy feel and marbley sound profile, makes it ideal for those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke, whether you're gaming or typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear experience with a lighter touch, the Keygeek Briny switch might be the better choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force and balanced sound profile provide a subtle, quiet experience that’s perfect for environments where noise is a concern or for tasks requiring long periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, consider factors such as your typing style, the environment you'll be using the keyboard in, and what kind of auditory feedback you enjoy when making your decision.
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