Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch but feeling overwhelmed by all the options available? Look no further! Today, we'll be comparing and contrasting two popular choices: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch. Both switches have their own unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a pleasing marbley sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Flame Red showcases its stunning visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who crave a backlit, RGB keyboard. While the Baby Kangaroo falls under the category of being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, the Flame Red is described as neutral, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your own personalized typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Flame Red, specifically their top housing, differ in terms of the sound profiles they create. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both top housings are aesthetically appealing as they are translucent and allow for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we find that both the Baby Kangaroo and the Flame Red incorporate nylon as their housing material. This common choice offers similar characteristics in terms of sound profiles. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. The material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics contributes to a more rounded and less sharp sound profile. It is interesting to note that both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housings, emphasizing the importance of this classic switch housing material in delivering optimal sound experiences.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the qualities of each housing material are split between the two. The bottom housing plays a stronger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This indicates that the choice of housing materials in both the Baby Kangaroo and the Flame Red is crucial in achieving the desired sound profiles throughout the typing experience. Overall, while there are variations in the materials used for the top and bottom housings, both switches are designed to deliver satisfying sound profiles with their respective combinations of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in weight. The Baby Kangaroo switch is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
Considering weight is essential as it greatly impacts the typing experience. For those who prefer a lightweight switch, the Flame Red with its lighter actuation and bottom out force proves to be a suitable choice. This lighter weight allows for extended periods of typing, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively, be it in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force would be the preferred option. The medium-heavy weight of this switch provides a more satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of stability during typing.
It is important to note that although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both will ultimately offer comparable results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Whether users opt for the Baby Kangaroo or the Flame Red, their typing experience will be enhanced, albeit with different levels of force required.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flame Red switch the longer option in terms of travel distance. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, but shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a more responsive key press. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper key press, the Flame Red switch with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 tactile switch offers a unique experience. It produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which means it is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It falls into the moderate sound category, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. The sound produced by the Flame Red switch is not as distinct as that of the Baby Kangaroo, but it remains approachable and versatile.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. This switch is super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a lively and alive feel. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a milder typing experience. It falls into the safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Flame Red switch also has a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Both switches prioritize a smooth and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch stands out for its unique sound profile, offering a clacky and marbly experience characterized by crisp, bright, and percussive tones. Its feel is snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a lively typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch takes a more neutral approach to sound, suitable for a wide range of users. Its feel is mild, offering a gentle typing experience in the safe middle-ground zone. Both switches share the characteristic of a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Which switch to choose ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired auditory and tactile experience. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a clacky and marbly sound profile, as well as a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the one for you. These switches are best known for their dazzling light diffuser, making them ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. The Flame Red switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preferred weight, sound, and feel, so choose the one that best fits your typing preferences and overall keyboard setup.
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