Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactile feel and marbley sound profile, providing a clacky, high-pitched, and bouncy typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out with its very light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a more neutral and low-pitched typing sensation. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) leans towards a more resonant and snappy typing experience, the Foggy Shadow prioritizes a balanced performance with its medium weight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general differences so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, with the translucency of polycarbonate, both switches are ideal for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, while the Foggy Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their use of nylon for the bottom housing.
In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials in each switch are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of sharper and crisper sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, we see some key differences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, we can infer that both switches would provide a similar typing experience, with a slight edge given to the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for being slightly lighter at the actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both provide a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the level of responsiveness and depth desired in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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
Since the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is not specified in the information provided, we can only compare it to the subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) in terms of feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is known for its snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel. Without specific information on the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a unique combination of tactile feel and sound qualities, characterized by a crisp and light tactility along with a marbly sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is praised for its light tactile bump and medium weight that hits a sweet spot in performance. While the sound and feel of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) are clearly defined in the provided information, the Foggy Shadow switch lacks detailed descriptions in these aspects. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. If you prefer a clacky, marbly sound profile and a snappy, bouncy feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump with medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch may be more appealing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a very light tactile bump with a balanced performance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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