Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to the desired tactile feedback and sound profile, making the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX FJ400 intriguing choices that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its crisp, light tactility combined with a unique, marble-like sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. Its clacky and resonate characteristics create a lively and engaging atmosphere, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists seeking a dynamic feel. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 serves as a middle ground within the HMX Film switch lineup, offering a more balanced sound profile that caters to those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience. While the FJ400 focuses on delivering consistent linear feedback devoid of tactile bumps, it allows for swift key presses ideal for fast-paced work or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you favor a tactile burst with character or a streamlined linear experience, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX FJ400 exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties that generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contributes to an overall more resonant audio experience, particularly well-suited for setups incorporating RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the HMX FJ400's top housing is crafted from POM, a material known for its unique ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. This inherently softer auditory character offers a pleasing balance that's often preferred for those looking for a less harsh typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates an interesting point of comparison as it provides a consistent auditory experience in this aspect. The nylon material is effective in producing a deeper, fuller sound profile since it tends to absorb sound waves more than harder plastics. This shared characteristic in the bottom housings means that despite their differences at the top, both switches will evoke a rounded and muted sound when bottoming out. Consequently, the depth of sound in both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX FJ400 can be traced back to their nylon bottoms, which ensures that users will enjoy a similar foundation in terms of auditory experience when pressing down on the keys.
In sum, while both switches produce satisfying auditory profiles, the varying top housing materials lead to distinctively different experiences when typing. The contrast between the Baby Kangaroo (V2)'s sharper, more resonant sound from its polycarbonate top and the deeper, muted qualities of the HMX FJ400's POM top illustrates how top housing material dramatically influences the overall character of a switch. Thus, when users are pressing a key and letting go, the specific qualities of each housing material play a critical role. The nylon bottom is a unifying element between the two, ensuring that despite these differences, the deeper sound resonates similarly as users experience the actuation and release of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch with the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the FJ400 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires more force to activate and to bottom out, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke, while the FJ400’s lighter setup is ideal for those who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, users looking for a heavier typing experience might gravitate towards the Baby Kangaroo, whereas those prioritizing comfort and ease over extended periods will likely prefer the HMX FJ400. Overall, these differences cater to varied preferences in typing feel and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX FJ400 linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Baby Kangaroo (V2) the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the FJ400, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced actuation and a tactile response, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. In summary, if you favor quicker response times, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the preferable choice, while the FJ400 suits those who appreciate a deeper, fuller key press.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the Baby Kangaroo stands out with its clacky, marbley sound profile. The Baby Kangaroo produces a sharp, crisp sound that is engaging and bright, characterized by a high-pitched resonance, reminiscent of high-quality marble or the collision of billiard balls. This creates an immersive auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the FJ400 is not detailed in the information provided, but it is mentioned to offer a balanced sound profile, which suggests it may be more subdued or even-toned compared to the sharpness of the Baby Kangaroo. This balanced approach may cater to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is characterized by its snappy, bouncy, and polished qualities. The snappy responsiveness of the switch, likely enhanced by its spring design, provides a lively typing experience that is both engaging and enjoyable. The bouncy aspect adds an additional layer of feedback, allowing for a satisfying rebound effect with each keystroke. The polished finish further enhances this experience by reducing friction, contributing to smooth key travel. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the FJ400 isn't explicitly described, leaving an unknown quality in its responsiveness and tactile feedback. As such, while the Baby Kangaroo offers a clearly defined tactile sensation, the feel of the FJ400 remains a point of ambiguity.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a crisp, engaging audio profile and a lively, smooth typing experience. Its distinct characteristics create an exhilarating typing ambiance that appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts. While the HMX FJ400 linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile, its tactile feel is not defined, making it difficult to fully assess its comparability to the Baby Kangaroo. Therefore, if you seek a high-energy typing experience with distinct auditory feedback, the Baby Kangaroo is an excellent option, while the FJ400 may offer a more understated alternative yet requires more information on its tactile qualities for a fully informed comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, combined with its snappy and bouncy feel, offers an engaging typing experience that many prefer for both gaming and typing tasks. Additionally, its unique sound profile, which includes clacky, marbly, and resonant qualities, provides a lively auditory feedback that can make typing more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience, the FJ400's lighter, 58-gram actuation force might be your best bet. This linear switch is designed to deliver a more balanced sound while maintaining a smooth key travel, which can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions or when working in shared environments. In summary, your choice should hinge on whether you seek tactile feedback with a pronounced auditory experience or a smoother, quieter operation.
Mentioned in this article
