Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear each offer distinct typing experiences suitable for different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch, is celebrated for its crisp, light tactility and an engaging marbley sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a responsive feedback on each keypress. It boasts an array of characteristics such as being clacky, snappy, and polished, which can enhance typing joy for users who appreciate a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear presents an exceptionally smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, ideal for gamers or typists seeking speed without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. The bright sound profile adds a touch of personality, though it is quieter compared to its tactile counterpart. Both switches cater to unique preferences, whether one values feedback and engagement or smooth, linear flow. 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
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches, it is evident that they present a distinctive contrast in their top housing. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances its suitability for RGB lighting setups, providing a vibrant visual experience. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which fosters a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in materials significantly influences the auditory experience during use; users seeking a brighter and more resonant sound may find the Baby Kangaroo (V2) preferable, while those who enjoy a softer and more subdued sound profile might lean towards the Bumblebee Linear.
On the other end, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, a material known for its characteristics that produce a fuller and deeper sound profile. This similarity ensures that when typing on both switches, the user will experience a plush and round sound output from the bottom housing. Nylon’s softer texture naturally absorbs sound, creating a more muted typing experience, which is consistent across both switch types. Thus, while the top housings present opposing tonal qualities, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a common auditory signature that could resonate well with users who appreciate a well-rounded sound while typing.
Ultimately, the blending of different materials in the two switches presents an interesting dynamic. In the case of the Baby Kangaroo (V2), the polycarbonate top adds a crispness to sound release upon key release while the nylon bottom tempers the overall auditory quality with a deep and soft tone during the bottom out action. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear’s combination of a muted POM top and nylon bottom produces a consistently softer sound profile throughout the keypress. Even though the switches differ in top housing materials, the presence of nylon at the base creates a cohesive sound impact when pressing down on either switch, suggesting that while they have unique tonal attributes, they can still deliver a satisfying typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel allows for prolonged typing sessions, which may appeal to those who prioritize comfort during extended use. Thus, individuals seeking a heavier switch for a robust tactile feedback should opt for the Baby Kangaroo (V2), while those looking for ease in typing and gaming might find the Bumblebee Linear to be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch, the differences are notable. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Bumblebee Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive feel during gameplay, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Bumblebee Linear with its longer travel distance could be the better choice. In summary, those seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), while users who value a sturdy feel may favor the Bsun Bumblebee Linear.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) exhibits a unique combination of clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. This resonant quality gives it an immersive and clean sound profile, reminiscent of a clear marble striking another solid surface. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch lacks specific descriptors for sound, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat unknown. However, it is described as producing a bright sound profile, which suggests it could also be characterized by a crisp and pleasant typing sound, akin to the Baby Kangaroo, but with less emphasis on the pronounced percussive elements.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its snappy and bouncy responsiveness, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. The polished design enhances the smoothness of the key travel, ensuring that each keystroke feels refined and satisfying. This combination of tactile feedback and reduced friction gives the typist a sense of control and precision. Conversely, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear does not offer specific details about its feel characteristics, leaving us without a direct comparison. However, being a linear switch, it generally aims to deliver a smooth and consistent keypress throughout its travel.
Overall, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch presents a distinct and defined auditory and tactile experience, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides a smoother journey with a potentially pleasant sound profile, though its specifics remain ambiguous. For those who prefer a lively tactile feedback with a crisp auditory response, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would likely be the better choice. Yet, for users seeking a straightforward linear experience, the Bumblebee may still offer satisfaction, even if we lack concrete details on its sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a crisp sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a more responsive and bouncy feel with a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams. This switch is ideal for users who want to feel each keystroke distinctly, making it particularly suitable for those who type extensively and desire a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, would be more to your liking. It provides an exceptionally smooth key press, making it favorable for those who prioritize fast typing speeds or gaming without the tactile feedback distraction. In essence, choosing the right switch comes down to whether you lean towards tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, or if you prefer a smoother, linear action that emphasizes speed and quietness in your keystrokes.
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