Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Cloud - 50g presents a fascinating contrast in tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its crisp, light tactility and a distinct "marbley" sound, providing a unique auditory experience that's often described as clacky and resonant. Its polished feel and bouncy nature make it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a switch that offers both responsiveness and character. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth feel paired with a lighter clacky sound, catering to those who prefer a bright, floating sensation while typing. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a seamless experience without the tactile bump. Each switch has its own unique advantages, with the Baby Kangaroo favoring a more tactile and engaging experience, while the HMX Cloud offers a fluid and unobtrusive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches offer a fascinating contrast in their acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile that resonates well with RGB lighting setups. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances visual effects, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for both performance and style. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which embodies a traditional choice in switch materials. Nylon's softer properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials sets the two switches apart in terms of the tactile and auditory sensations they provide.
When examining the bottom housings of each switch, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Cloud - 50g employ nylon, showcasing similarity rather than contrast. Nylon is renowned for generating a deeper sound and softer feel, which benefits the overall typing experience. Having nylon in the bottom housing for both switches supports a consistent sound profile, whether it's the Baby Kangaroo's crisper top housing or the Cloud's fuller sound. This shared material means that, regardless of the difference at the top, users can expect a comparable bottom-out feel and sound performance, leading to a more unified tactile experience.
Ultimately, the sound profiles and overall user experience of these two switches are influenced by their differing top housing materials while still maintaining a commonality with their nylon bottom housings. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may deliver a sharper sound when releasing a key due to its polycarbonate upper, its nylon bottom complements this with a rich, resonant base. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g's rounder auditory experience from its nylon top housing is supplemented by the same nylon bottom, creating a cohesive feel. For users seeking varied sound profiles, these differences and similarities provide ample opportunity for customization through choice, effectively allowing each switch to make its mark in both sound and typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there are notable differences 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 a medium-heavy option that provides a firmer tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is more conducive for long typing or gaming sessions due to reduced finger fatigue. This means that if you're looking for a lighter switch for extended use, the Cloud - 50g is the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may favor the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Ultimately, users can expect different typing sensations, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a more substantial feel and the Cloud providing a smoother, less strenuous experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo measures 3.4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that for those who prefer increased responsiveness in their key presses, the Baby Kangaroo's shorter distance may be the better choice, as it allows for quicker actuation—ideal for gaming or high-speed typing. Conversely, the HMX Cloud's longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced feel for users who appreciate the depth of each keystroke, lending itself well to a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference; if you're looking for speed, the Baby Kangaroo offers a more responsive option, while the Cloud switch delivers a deeper, more deliberated typing 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 HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
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) offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by a combination of clacky and marbly qualities. Typing on these switches produces a sharp, crisp sound that resonates clearly, which makes it quite engaging for users who appreciate an immersive auditory feedback during their typing sessions. The blend of high-pitched, resonant tones creates an enjoyable atmosphere that is likely to appeal to those who prefer a bright auditory signature. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g has a clacky sound profile, though the specific nuances are less detailed than the Baby Kangaroo's more complex sound dynamics. Both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, with the Baby Kangaroo leaning more towards a resonant experience, while the Cloud presents a more straightforward clackiness.
In the realm of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its snappy and bouncy characteristics, giving typists a lively and responsive typing experience. The use of longer or dual-staged springs contributes to this dynamic sensation, allowing for a delightful rebound effect when keys are pressed. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smooth feel, although there’s less information on how it specifically compares in terms of responsiveness or feedback. While both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience, the Baby Kangaroo appears to offer more variety in terms of responsiveness and feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and HMX Cloud - 50g switches each provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo excels in delivering a nuanced sound profile and a lively tactile experience characterized by its snappiness and bounce. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud offers a straightforward clacky sound paired with a silky smooth feel, appealing to users who prefer a more linear typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes the bright, interactive experience of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth and lighter feel of the Cloud.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a responsive, lively sensation while typing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams delivers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a crisp and high-pitched sound, akin to the lively notes of a finely tuned instrument. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch may be the better fit. With its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth feel, it offers a more subdued yet enjoyable typing experience that caters to those who favor a quieter, less tactile environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the sensory feedback you seek, ensuring you find the perfect switch to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
