Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Outemu Crystal. While both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, there are some important differences that can help you determine which one is best suited for your typing preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch known for its crisp, light tactility and distinctive marbley sound profile. The Clacky, Marbly, High-pitched, Resonant, Snappy, Bouncy, and Polished characteristics make typing on these switches a truly satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Crystal is a linear switch that offers a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight. This creates a unique, smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Despite these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to give you a more comprehensive understanding of these switches, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Outemu Crystal switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear switch housings allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Therefore, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile when used with RGB lighting.
However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal retains the use of polycarbonate for its bottom housing, matching its top housing material. As a result, the Crystal's bottom housing contributes to the sharper and higher-pitched sound profile.
When considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the downstroke experience. The Baby Kangaroo, with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down. In contrast, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a sharper and higher-pitched sound during the downstroke. Meanwhile, the top housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when the key is released. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Crystal's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Crystal's 55 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal switch would be the better option, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, the Baby Kangaroo with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would provide a more substantial typing feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force. The preference for weight in switch selection ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Baby Kangaroo's 3.4 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper sensation might find the Outemu Crystal with its longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Both switches offer their own unique experience, catering to different user preferences.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 that provides a satisfying typing experience. When using these switches, users can expect a unique, marbley sound profile. This sound can be described as resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a sharp and percussive sound when typing.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a different typing experience. These switches have a fairly elastic type feel, providing a bouncy and responsive sensation. The Crystal switch has a medium-light weight, which adds to its unique typing experience. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch provides a neutral sound profile with a chirpy characteristic. This chirpy sound sets these switches apart from others, giving them a distinctive acoustic signature.
To conclude, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Crystal provides a neutral sound with a chirpy characteristic. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, these switches provide distinct options to cater to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with crisp tactility, the Baby Kangaroo is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Outemu Crystal switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a light, crisp feel and a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are seeking a unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel, the Outemu Crystal switch would be the ideal option. When it comes to sound, the Baby Kangaroo provides a clacky and marbly sound profile, while the Crystal switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches feature a polished finish, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactility, typing experience, and sound profile.
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