Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Baby Kangaroo is characterized by its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a unique marbley sound profile. Known for being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, we have the G Pro 3.0 Brown, which is part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series. These switches offer an economical solution without compromising on quality. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, they have been meticulously designed to provide a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Enjoying an easy-to-press feel with a mild and stepped tactile response, these switches contribute to a medium-high pitch auditory feedback that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you decide which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the translucency necessary for RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are someone who values a clear and resonant sound profile and plans to use RGB lighting, both the Baby Kangaroo and G Pro 3.0 Brown would provide similar results.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also features nylon for its bottom housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches would provide a similar experience in terms of the sound profile when typing, with a deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the overall effect of the housing materials, it is important to consider the impact each material has on different aspects of the switch. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when you let go of a key, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Both the Baby Kangaroo and G Pro 3.0 Brown will exhibit these differences in sound and feel based on their respective housing materials. The choice between the two switches would depend on your preferences for sharper versus duller sound profiles and the specific housing material qualities you prioritize in your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 55 grams, making it slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo can provide a more substantial typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance on the Baby Kangaroo is more shallow, making it preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some people may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the more hearty depth offered by the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that when pressed, the switch will produce a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and has a higher pitch. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is best described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. This means that the switch is super responsive, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. This means that the switch offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. It provides a low-impact and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue. The switch also has a more gentle typing feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a clacky and marbly sound profile with a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an unknown sound profile but is easy-to-press and provides a mild and stepped feel.
Although they may differ in certain qualities, both switches aim to deliver a tactile typing experience. If you are looking for a similar sound to the Baby Kangaroo switch, you might achieve comparable results by choosing a higher-pitched switch. Similarly, if you prefer the feel of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, you may find other switches with a similar gentle resistance and mild characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and other factors such as budget and RGB lighting preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a distinct clacky and marbly sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is the one for you. It offers a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a gentle and subtle tactile sensation, and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the better choice. Its easy-to-press actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue. The sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is not specified in the provided information.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or medium force, a crisp and clacky/marbly sound profile or one not specified, and a snappy/bouncy or easy-to-press/mild feel. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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