Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron CM, two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo provides a satisfying tactile experience, offering a crisp, light switch-like tactility. When typing, you'll notice a delightful "marbley" sound profile. On the other hand, the CM switches break away from convention with their full nylon housing, resulting in a richer, deeper sound signature. They are meticulously factory-lubed, ensuring an effortlessly smooth typing journey that feels like gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The CM switches also feature a lengthened, dual-staged spring, creating a bouncy typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron CM switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the CM switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound profile. Both materials have their specific advantages and can enhance the overall typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Baby Kangaroo and CM switches are both made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile. This allows for a satisfying typing experience with a sense of depth. Although both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials can provide unique sound qualities to the overall switch.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the qualities of the bottom housing of a switch greatly influence the bottom-out sound and the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. This means that the switch's typing experience is largely influenced by the material used for the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the selection of different housing materials for the top and bottom components of a switch can complement each other and provide a well-rounded sound profile.
In summary, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron CM switches share the same nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials differentiate their sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the CM's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The combination of different housing materials allows for unique sound characteristics in each switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the CM needs slightly less at 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying resistance to prevent accidental keystrokes. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, while the CM needs 63.5 grams. Here, the Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches still fall within the medium-heavy range. Ultimately, if one desires a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the CM switch may be the preferable option. On the other hand, if one values a heavier, more robust typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, we can see that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the CM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular. Gamers especially appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferable option with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the CM switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and how it affects the 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 Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 tactile switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile. When typing on the Baby Kangaroo, you can expect a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the switch has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The keys have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Furthermore, the switch is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing and delivers a richer, deeper sound signature. The sound of the CM switch can be characterized as bassy and thocky. It offers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the CM linear switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Moreover, the switch can be described as creamy and frictionless, offering a silky sensation and minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp, clacky sound profile with high-pitched and resonant characteristics. It provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a polished feel. On the other hand, the CM switch delivers a deeper, bassy, and thocky sound profile with a low-pitched tone. It offers a buttery and polished typing experience, feeling smooth, fluid, and frictionless. Based on this information, users can expect unique sound and feel experiences from each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. With its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile, you can expect a satisfying typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound, offering a sharp and clean auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo is snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive and polished typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron CM would be a suitable option. Its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job deliver a richer, deeper sound signature. The CM is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched in terms of sound, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. In terms of feel, the CM is buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch will depend on your preference for the sound and feel of the switches. You may prioritize the crisp, light tactility and marbley sound of the Baby Kangaroo, or the rich, deep sound and smooth typing experience of the CM. Consider what kind of typing experience you are looking for, and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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