Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. While they both offer exceptional performance, these switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo switch is well-known for its crisp, light tactile feedback and a unique marbley sound profile. With its clacky and resonant nature, it provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience that feels polished. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch that focuses on delivering a smooth typing experience. It features a medium-light actuation force, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red boasts a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, their translucency makes them ideal for the presence of RGB lighting. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon material. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, it creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities. Therefore, both switches will deliver a similar experience in terms of the sound produced by their nylon bottom housing.
It should be noted that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will predominantly come from the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red will provide a satisfying typing experience, thanks to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, we can see notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, which means it requires a relatively strong push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more sensitive to touch.
When it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a heavier force of 67 grams, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is lighter with a force of 50 grams. This means that when typing on the Baby Kangaroo switch, you will feel a more substantial and pronounced tactile feedback when pressing all the way down, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red switch will provide a lighter and softer bottoming out experience.
If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a better choice as it has a lower actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions that require quick and nimble keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger push feel and want a more substantial typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be the preferable option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Baby Kangaroo switch being heavier and the G Pro 3.0 Red switch being lighter. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Red is longer than the Baby Kangaroo. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red is considered more traditional, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo is on the shorter side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances may feel too abrupt. Therefore, the preference for travel distance ultimately depends on an individual's preference for responsiveness or the feeling of depth. Both switches offer different travel distances, so individuals can choose according to their personal preferences.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. These switches produce a sharp, crisp sound when pressed, with a bright and percussive quality. The marbly sound profile is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, comparable to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is described as neutral. It has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. While the qualities of these two switches differ in terms of sound, if a user prefers a higher-pitched and resonant sound experience, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferred choice. If they prefer a more neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the way to go.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches have a super responsive feel, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs that add liveliness to the typing experience. The bouncy sensation provides spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively rebound when pressed. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. The creamy feel of these switches is due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. The mild qualities of these switches offer a more gentle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the polished finish of the switches contributes to the sleek and refined typing experience, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. While the feel of these two switches differs in terms of their specific characteristics, both provide a polished and refined typing experience. Users can expect smooth key travel and reduced friction with either option.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo has a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, while offering a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral sound profile while providing a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the Baby Kangaroo may be the preferred choice for those seeking a sharper, brighter sound with responsive and lively key feedback. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be more suitable for users who prefer a more neutral sound experience with a smooth and gentle typing feel. Overall, both options deliver a polished and refined typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. It offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a unique marbley sound profile. The high-pitched and resonant sound of the Baby Kangaroo switches will provide you with a clean and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, these switches are described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, which means you can expect a super responsive typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable option. These switches offer a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. The neutral sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Red makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. In terms of feel, these switches are described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, which means you can expect a buttery and gentle typing experience with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a heavier bottom out force and a unique marbley sound profile, go for the Baby Kangaroo. If you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, go for the G Pro 3.0 Red. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so choose whichever suits your typing style and preferences the most.
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