Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offer distinct experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch that provides a crisp, light tactility and a unique marbley sound profile, making each keystroke feel clacky, resonant, and bouncy. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure that minimizes resistance for a smoother action. While the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience, the CAP Milky Yellow switch delivers a thocky and bassy feel. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that appeal to different preferences, making it essential to consider individual typing preferences and use cases. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that can be enjoyable for typists looking for a quieter typing experience. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, the differences lie in their respective top housings.
Where the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out is in its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, further enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound of the Baby Kangaroo (V2). While both housings are made of nylon, the slight variations in their composition can have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The sharper and crisper sound of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct typing experience, while the deeper and fuller sound of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow could be preferred by typists looking for a softer and more subtle sound. Both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams, but still has a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience the user desires.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is ideal for those who prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may be preferred by those who find short travel distances to be too abrupt. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to different preferences, but ultimately providing a similar typing experience despite the slight variation in distance.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its distinct sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a sharp, bright sound that resonates clearly. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is characterized by a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound. This results in a deeper and richer sound profile with a satisfying thud or knock when pressed and released. The sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is associated with qualities like snappy, bouncy, and polished. This means that users can expect a responsive typing experience with a lively feel and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. These qualities contribute to a refined typing sensation with minimal friction and consistent keypress feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp and bright sound with a tactile typing experience, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch delivers a deeper and richer sound with a smooth linear typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a more tactile and resonant typing experience with the Baby Kangaroo switch or a smoother and buttery typing experience with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbly sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar bottom out force with a smooth linear switch that offers a thocky sound profile and a buttery typing feel, then the CAP V2 Milky Yellow could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences in terms of feedback and sound.
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