Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a distinct marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is hailed as a budget-friendly linear switch that combines a higher pitched clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel. Each switch has its own set of advantages and qualities that cater to specific typing preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow have several similarities due to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Both switches feature a clear housing made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting.
However, the main difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, it creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in these switches affects different aspects of the typing experience. Both switches provide unique qualities and sound profiles, with the Baby Kangaroo focusing on a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow focusing on a deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which means that once the keys are pressed fully, they will require the same amount of force.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch due to its lower actuation force. This would be ideal for situations like bringing the keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions, as the lighter actuation force allows for extended typing without excessive strain. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger tactile feedback may opt for the Baby Kangaroo with its slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more pronounced push feel during typing.
Overall, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, ensuring a comparable typing experience once the keys are fully pressed. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a lighter actuation force, individuals seeking a stronger tactile feedback may find the Baby Kangaroo more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is shorter with a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance is the most traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, providing a more satisfying experience for some users. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo switch is shorter and often preferred by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better option. However, if you prioritize faster response times and a more responsive feel, the Baby Kangaroo with its 3.4 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and percussive experience when pressed. The marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a higher pitched clacky sound profile. It produces a sharper and crisper sound when pressed. These switches offer a clean and sharp sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The snappy feedback makes the switch super responsive, due to the longer or dual-staged springs used in its construction. This gives a more alive feel to the typing experience. The bouncy feel of the keys provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively touch and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This sleek feel is achieved either through the materials used or factory lubing. The switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort. Furthermore, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is referred to as creamy, indicating a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels silky, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, providing a resonant and high-pitched auditory experience. It offers a snappy and bouncy feel while typing, along with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile, still offering a clean and sharp sound experience. It has a polished finish and a creamy feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing sensation. Although different in some aspects, both switches have similar high-pitched and resonant sound profiles. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with similar characteristics, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel with either switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. This switch offers a snappy and bouncy feel, making your typing experience more alive and giving you rebound when pressed. The sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a clean, sharp, and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. It has the same bottom out force as the Baby Kangaroo, but offers a polished and creamy feel, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a silky sensation when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow depends on your personal preferences for tactile or linear switches, as well as the desired sound and feel. Consider the descriptions provided and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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