Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo switch is praised for its crisp, light tactile feel and distinctive marbley sound profile, providing a clacky and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switch is lauded for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, delivering a poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth and tactile sensation. While the Baby Kangaroo switch may appeal to those who enjoy a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switch is suitable for users seeking an accented and snappy feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches designed for use with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in their bottom housings, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is praised for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Even though both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a unique combination of the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in its top housing, paired with the deeper and fuller sound profile provided by its nylon bottom housing. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro presents a consistent sound quality throughout, with both top and bottom housings made of nylon. When typing on these switches, users can expect a different tactile experience based on the type of housing material used, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their distinction lies in their bottom housings. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a unique sound profile that balances sharpness and depth, while the consistent use of nylon in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro ensures a steady and uniform sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more gentle typing experience for users. While both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) can be considered heavier compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some opting for a lighter feel for longer typing sessions and others favoring a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would provide a slightly deeper key press, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would offer a slightly quicker action. Ultimately, both switches would offer similar results due to their close proximity in 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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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) switch offers a unique combination of clacky and marbley sound profiles. The crisp and bright clacky sound provides a sharp and snappy typing experience, while the marbly high-pitched and resonant sound adds a clean and immersive auditory element to the keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) having a more unique and resonant character compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy and bouncy nature of these switches provides a responsive and lively typing experience, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. The accented tactility offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet provides a prominent feedback, complemented by the bouncy and snappy responsiveness and polished smoothness for an enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer a mix of responsiveness, tactility, and smoothness that cater to different typing preferences, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) leaning towards a snappier and bouncier feel compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in providing a crisp and light tactile sensation accompanied by a marbley and resonant sound profile, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a medium level of accented tactility and smoothness. Whether you prefer the sharper and snappier typing experience of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or the livelier and smooth feedback of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal sound and feel preferences, as both switches are capable of delivering satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile accompanied by smoothness, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the better option. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as your budget, when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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