Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbly sound profile, providing a satisfying experience that is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, and snappy. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silence, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments like offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, this switch offers a balanced feel that is categorized as polished and muted. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Dolphin, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches share this feature, it is important to note that the top housing material influences the sound when pressing down on a key, providing a unique feel for each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Dolphin opt for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials, such as polycarbonate. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. Despite utilizing the same bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing will be felt differently when typing on each switch, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
In summary, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Dolphin share similarities in their choice of housing materials, such as polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the overall sound and feel of each switch will differ due to the specific properties of these materials. By understanding how each housing material affects the sound profile and typing experience, keyboard enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Dolphin, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin has a slightly higher force of 62 grams, whereas the Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires 67 grams to bottom out. This makes the Dolphin a lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for a switch that is easier to press and type on for extended periods. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Dolphin linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) will provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Dolphin's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for those who prefer more resistance. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and response time. Both switches offer unique advantages, so it's important to consider what works best for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly profiles, producing sharp, bright, and resonant sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as muted and low-pitched, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dolphin switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a snappy and bouncy feel with super responsive and elastic feedback, while the Dolphin switch provides a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g for a more substantial and precise press.
Overall, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is characterized by its crisp tactility and marbley sound profile, while the Dolphin provides a silent typing experience with a balance of resistance and precision. Both switches have a polished finish for a smooth key travel, making them suitable choices for different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and prefer a crisp, light tactile feel with a unique marbly sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you require a silent switch for a quiet work environment and prefer a medium actuation force with a polished feel for smooth key travel, then the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and work environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can provide an enjoyable typing experience based on your individual needs and preferences.
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