Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and unsure which one to choose? Let us introduce you to two excellent options: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that set them apart from one another. The Baby Kangaroo switch is best known for its crisp, light tactile feel and a distinctive marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, its sound profile brings to mind the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. While these general descriptions provide valuable insights, let's explore each switch in more detail so you can make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Cabbage Tofu switches share the same housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and lighting customization. In terms of sound production, both switches will provide similar results due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon while the Cabbage Tofu sticks with the classic choice of nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, when pressing down on the Baby Kangaroo switch, the impact and bottom-out sound will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, providing a satisfying depth to each keystroke. The same can be expected from the Cabbage Tofu switch, as both switches share this nylon bottom housing material.
It's worth noting that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel when pressing down a key, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the Baby Kangaroo and the Cabbage Tofu will exhibit these distinctions, allowing users to feel and hear the influence of the housing materials throughout their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Cabbage Tofu's 45 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo is again slightly higher with a force of 67 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Kangaroo switch can be considered medium-heavy, while the Cabbage Tofu switch falls into the medium-light category.
Regarding weight considerations, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter feel allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial push feel may opt for the Baby Kangaroo switch, as its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger tactile feedback during typing. These heavier forces contribute to a more satisfying and impactful typing experience. Therefore, the choice of switch ultimately depends on personal preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance, with the Cabbage Tofu being more traditional. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches offer a clacky sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive auditory experience. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as having a marbly sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, while the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as high-pitched. This indicates that the Baby Kangaroo switch has a resonant and clean sound, while the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing sensation. The snappy characteristic indicates that the switch is super responsive, most likely due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the bouncy attribute provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo switch is 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 Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy and polished. The creamy attribute denotes a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch provides a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The Cabbage Tofu switch also shares the polished attribute, implying a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Cabbage Tofu switch is also classified as snappy, indicating its super responsive nature.
Based on the available information, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches offer desirable qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch excels in providing a crisp and light switch-like tactility, while also producing a marbly and resonant sound profile. In terms of feel, it offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, supported by a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Its feel is described as creamy and polished, providing a silky sensation with snappy feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice for you. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. In terms of feel, it offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and value improved tactility and responsiveness with a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, then the Cabbage Tofu may be more suited to your preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize the specific sound profiles and feel characteristics described above. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one provides the optimal typing experience for you. In the end, you should choose the switch that feels the most comfortable and enjoyable to use, ensuring a satisfying typing experience every time you use your mechanical keyboard.
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