Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Crystal Violet 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 Everglide Crystal Violet. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but they possess unique characteristics that set them apart. The Baby Kangaroo switch is best known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, giving users a satisfying and snappy feel. Additionally, it produces a distinctive marbly sound profile that adds an extra touch of sophistication to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch provides a gentle and comfortable feel, perfect for users who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile experience. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches offer a smooth keystroke and a pleasant mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. The special use of ABS in the housing of the Crystal Violet switch enhances its auditory experience, creating a subtle and non-intrusive sound. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in several aspects. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Crystal Violet has an ABS top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, ABS produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing, which may appeal to those seeking a quieter and softer typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer the advantage of being compatible with RGB lighting due to their translucent housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. Although both switches feature ABS bottom housings, it should be noted that the Crystal Violet's ABS is relatively rare in switch housings, setting it apart from the more conventional use of ABS in keycaps.
It is important to consider that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and the Crystal Violet may have different top and bottom housing materials, their respective qualities will contribute to distinct aspects of the typing experience. However, if you are seeking similar results in terms of RGB lighting compatibility, the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing and the Crystal Violet's translucent ABS top housing will both deliver the desired aesthetic effect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, some noticeable differences arise. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Crystal Violet's 45 grams, making it more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Crystal Violet's 55 grams. This means that typing on the Baby Kangaroo will provide a more substantial feel, while the Crystal Violet offers a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming might find the Crystal Violet more suitable, while those seeking a stronger push feel might opt for the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages, and individuals should consider their personal preferences and typing style when deciding between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance of the Crystal Violet. The 4.0 mm distance is commonly preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, providing a sense of solidity when typing. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance is favored by gamers and individuals seeking quick response times. This reduced travel distance allows for faster actuation, enhancing overall responsiveness. So, if you prioritize a quicker and more agile typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance will provide that additional satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 tactile switch is best known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. The sound is high-pitched and resonant, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a pleasantly mellow sound profile. It leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The sound is described as gentle and comfortable. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, while the Crystal Violet offers a mellow and relaxing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its snappy and bouncy feel. The switch is super responsive and provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. It feels smooth and buttery, giving a silky sensation when typing. The switch falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. It is also a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of tactility, giving some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo offers a lively and polished feel, while the Crystal Violet provides a smooth and approachable typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo has a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, creating a crisp and immersive auditory experience. It offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, resulting in a lively and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. It offers a creamy, mild, and stepped feel, delivering a smooth and gentle typing experience. While they differ in these aspects, both switches can provide satisfactory results depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and polished feel, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing experience, accompanied by a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, then the Everglide Crystal Violet switches will be the ideal option for you. These switches offer a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with gentle characteristics that are approachable to most users.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and feel. Both switches have their unique features and qualities, catering to different typing styles and preferences. Consider your personal preferences and requirements in these aspects to make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
