Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its unique combination of crisp, light tactility and marbled sound profile, making it an excellent option for users who enjoy a responsive feel and an audible feedback as they type. This tactile switch is often characterized by its clackiness and polished feel, providing a delightful balance of feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy offers a contrasting experience with its linear design, which allows for fluid keystrokes without the tactile bump. Made from full nylon construction and featuring a Ly stem, the Deep Navy excels at delivering a silky-smooth typing experience and a rich sound profile that immerses the user in a satisfying auditory experience. Choosing the Baby Kangaroo may appeal to those who appreciate tactile feedback for both gaming and typing, while the Deep Navy might be favored by individuals seeking a quieter, uninterrupted flow. 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
45g
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
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy reveal distinct characteristics that affect their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency, promoting a sharper and crisper sound when the key is released. This material's stiffer nature contributes to a more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a brighter acoustic experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard world. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder tonal quality, which may appeal to those looking for a more subdued auditory feedback while typing.
Upon examining the bottom housings, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy utilize nylon material. This consistency means that both switches will exhibit similar characteristics when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon's ability to dampen sound creates a fuller typing experience that tends to be preferred for a more tactile sensation when keys are pressed down. This shared bottom housing material allows for continuity in acoustics; while the top housing may vary, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a pleasant, muted auditory experience at the bottom of the keystroke.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials profoundly influence the sound profiles of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Deep Navy. Users will find the Baby Kangaroo (V2) ideal for those who favor an accentuated and lively sound, especially effective when paired with RGB effects, whereas the Deep Navy offers a more classic and subdued response. However, the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing creates a shared foundation, suggesting that, while the tonal characteristics differ, the tactile feedback and depth of sound at the bottom-out phase will be akin in both switches. Thus, users can expect certain similarities in experience, despite the contrasting top housing materials, allowing for a diverse range of sound preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users looking for a lighter typing experience, which may reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, would prefer the HMX Deep Navy switch. Conversely, those who enjoy a substantial push feel might lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing sensation and usage duration.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, the Baby Kangaroo will travel 0.2 mm less than the Deep Navy. For gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more appealing, offering a snappier feel. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience might find the deeper travel of the Deep Navy to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for depth and responsiveness, as they provide distinctly different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances.
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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is characterized by its clacky, marbly, and high-pitched quality, which produces a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Users will notice a clean and resonant sound, akin to tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. This creates an engaging auditory experience that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is not explicitly detailed, its full nylon construction suggests that it may produce a smooth and rich sound, potentially leaning towards a more muted experience compared to the Baby Kangaroo’s lively sound. Ultimately, both switches could deliver a satisfactory auditory experience, but the Baby Kangaroo is likely to be more vibrant and sharp.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch excels with its snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics. This combination allows for an incredibly responsive typing experience, where the user can expect a spring-like rebound and a smooth key travel due to refined production techniques. The tactile feedback is lively, making each keypress feel engaging and energetic. On the contrary, specific information about the feel of the Deep Navy switch is lacking, making it difficult to compare directly in this aspect. However, given its construction, one might infer that the Deep Navy also aims to provide a satisfying typing experience, potentially favoring smoothness over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch stands out with its vibrant sound and engaging tactile feedback, making it an exciting option for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. The Deep Navy linear switch may offer its unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, but without specific descriptors, it remains a mystery compared to the vivid characteristics of the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, if you're drawn to a crisp and snappy typing sensation, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is likely the better choice, while the Deep Navy's appeal lies in the unknown, suggesting it could be worth exploring for those who may prefer a different typing dynamic.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferred typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that delivers a satisfying tactile bump and a crisp, clacky sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent option for you. Its snappy and bouncy feel, accompanied by the marbly resonance, makes it ideal for tactile feedback enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates a more engaging typing experience in gaming or everyday tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth, linear feel devoid of tactile resistance, the HMX Deep Navy would serve you well. Its light actuation force and silky-smooth keystrokes are perfect for those who favor fast-paced typing or want a quieter setup without sacrificing response time. In the end, consider your typing style, whether you prioritize sound feedback and tactility or smoothness and lightness, to make the choice that best suits your needs.
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