Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile feedback of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the smooth action of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a delightful tactile experience, featuring a crisp actuation with a marbley sound profile that adds a lively resonance to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile bump and an engaging auditory feedback, making it a fantastic choice for typists who thrive on rhythm and engagement. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g presents a different appeal, boasting an impressively light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound profile. This switch is especially well-suited for those who favor a swift, smooth keystroke without any tactile distractions, making it a popular pick for gamers and fast typists alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
34g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a notably sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The key feature of polycarbonate is its stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant auditory experience while typing. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboards with RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through beautifully. Given these commonalities in the top housing, both switches offer similar aural qualities, making them suited for users who appreciate a bright and defined sound when pressing keys.
In contrast, both switches have nylon for their bottom housings, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile characteristic of this material. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This quality contrasts with the sharper sound generated by the polycarbonate top housing, highlighting how the switch's construction can lead to a harmonious blend of sound profiles. As they share identical bottom housing material, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Chiikawa - 28g will similarly reflect these deeper sound characteristics, ensuring a consistent performance in this aspect.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g provides a well-rounded typing experience. The polycarbonate material contributes clarity when pressing down on the keys, while the nylon absorbs sound and generates a fuller tone at the bottom-out. Since both switches share these specific housing materials, users can expect a comparable balance of sound profiles—sharpness from the top and depth from the bottom—allowing for a satisfying typing experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g features a much lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, which is perfect for those who prefer a softer keystroke and may type for extended periods without fatigue. Thus, if you favor a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while the heavier Baby Kangaroo (V2) appeals to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the two switches differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to distinct user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) the shorter option, ideal for those who prefer quick key presses and responsive feedback, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may find comfortable and satisfying, as it provides a more distinct tactile experience upon actuation. In summary, if you lean towards shorter, more responsive switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better fit, while the Chiikawa - 28g caters to those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is vibrant and multifaceted, characterized by a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile that creates a crisp and percussive auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces not just a sharp snap but also an almost resonant quality, reminiscent of pristine marble striking marble—allowing for a clean and engaging sound with every keystroke. In comparison, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is noted for its bright sound profile, which also suggests a similar crispness, but lacks specific descriptors to fully detail its auditory characteristics. Given these descriptions, it can be inferred that while both switches aim for clarity and responsiveness in sound, the Baby Kangaroo may offer a more elaborate auditory texture.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy characteristics, providing a responsive typing experience that feels lively and polished. The switches are designed to give immediate feedback, allowing for an enjoyable typing rhythm, alongside a refined smoothness that enhances their overall tactile engagement. The Chiikawa - 28g, however, does not have an established tactile feel description available, leaving its exact typing sensation unknown. If the Chiikawa switch matches the responsiveness of the Baby Kangaroo, one might expect a light and potentially satisfying feel, yet without specific descriptors, the comparison remains tentative.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a well-defined clacky and marbly sound paired with a responsive and polished feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch, while recognized for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, leaves much to the imagination regarding tactile feedback. Users who favor a bright auditory experience may find both switches enjoyable, though the Baby Kangaroo may provide a richer and more textured experience overall. If the Chiikawa switch manages to deliver similar responsiveness and sound clarity, it could serve as an excellent alternative, although further details on its tactile qualities would enrich the comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that feels snappy and bouncy, combined with a medium-heavy actuation force (67 grams), then the Baby Kangaroo switches will likely suit you well. Their crisp, light tactility and marbly sound profile deliver an immersive experience that many typists and gamers appreciate, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback that comes with a clacky and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light typing experience that allows for rapid key presses, the Chiikawa - 28g's very light actuation force (34 grams) is ideal. With its bright sound profile, this switch is responsive and perfect for speed, appealing particularly to those who value agility in their typing for gaming or extensive text entry. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or if you lean towards a smoother, quicker actuation.
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