Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Coral mechanical keyboard switches, we can see two distinct options with their own unique characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile during use. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral offers a smooth linear typing experience with a lower-pitched resonance, showcasing a balance of sophistication and stellar performance. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is described as 'clacky', 'marbly', and 'high-pitched', the Coral is characterized as 'low-pitched' and 'silky'. If you are looking for a switch that offers a bouncy, polished feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the way to go. However, for those seeking a more subtle and smooth typing experience, the Jerrzi Coral could be the ideal choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Coral use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their design and overall feel when typing.
On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Coral both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon bottom housing. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience and sound may be influenced by other factors such as the keycaps and switch design.
When the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that even if the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Coral share similar materials for their top and bottom housings, subtle differences in their design and construction may still lead to variations in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the heavier option with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Coral is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force for the Coral is unknown. The actuation force of a switch determines the force needed to trigger a keypress, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force required to press the key all the way down. It is important to consider weight when choosing a switch, as a lighter option can be more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while a heavier option may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Coral will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Coral linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deep typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a quicker response, the Baby Kangaroo switch may be the better option, but if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Coral switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable options depending on your preference for travel 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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound, reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on your preference for sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience, while the Coral switch offers a more restrained and smooth sound.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is characterized by its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback, making the typing experience feel lively and responsive. The keys have a polished finish, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a different tactile experience with the Baby Kangaroo switch emphasizing liveliness and response, while the Coral switch focuses on smoothness and minimal resistance.
Overall, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a crisp and bright marbly sound with a snappy and bouncy tactile feedback, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched resonance with a silky smooth typing experience, the Coral switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with no specified bottom out force and value a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, along with a smooth and silky typing experience, then the Coral switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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