Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards have gained popularity in recent years for their durability and satisfying typing experience. When it comes to choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Glimp are both excellent options to consider. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and unique marbley sound profile. With its categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, it offers a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes the perfect balance between resistance and typing experience. Its medium-light weight and tactile feedback provide a satisfying and responsive typing feel, accompanied by a fairly clacky sound profile, categorizing it as clacky, creamy, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their unique qualities, offering different levels of tactility and sound, giving users the freedom to choose according to their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Glimp both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create 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, both switches are aesthetically pleasing for those who want to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. Therefore, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures similar sound characteristics and visual appeal.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Glimp utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the relatively softer nature of nylon. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to the common use of nylon in their bottom housings.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split accordingly. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact on the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the properties of the top housing. Therefore, despite the difference in materials for the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound, feel, and performance from both the Baby Kangaroo and the Glimp switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, allowing for a smoother and more effortless key activation.
In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo is again heavier with a force of 67 grams. This provides users with a more substantial typing experience by requiring a firmer press all the way down. In contrast, the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more lightweight feel when pressing the keys fully.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Glimp switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and more effortless keystrokes. This lightness is particularly beneficial for prolonged usage, such as in work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial key feel may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo switch with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more tactile and forceful typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it is evident that the Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm while the KTT Glimp has a longer travel distance of 4mm. Despite both switches providing a satisfactory key depression experience, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo makes it ideal for those who desire a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate key depression may find the longer travel distance of the Glimp to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the 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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving the typing experience a crisp and percussive quality. The marbly sound, on the other hand, is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch also has a clacky sound profile, offering a similar crisp and bright sound when pressed. However, the rest of the sound profile is described as "neutral," meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, while the two switches have some similarities in sound, the Baby Kangaroo offers a more distinct and high-pitched sound profile compared to the Glimp.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy feel is characterized by its super responsive nature, making the typing experience feel more alive. The bouncy feel provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy feel, presenting a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The creamy sensation allows for gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the Glimp switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. In terms of feel, both switches provide unique qualities, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a snappier and bouncier experience, while the Glimp focuses on a creamy and mild sensation.
When considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and KTT Glimp linear switch each have their subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo has a distinct sound profile with its clacky and marbly characteristics, providing a sharp, crisp, and high-pitched auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Glimp switch also has a clacky sound profile but leans more towards a neutral sound suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished experience, providing responsive, lively keys with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Glimp switch presents a creamy and mild feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. While each switch has its unique qualities, it is important to note that sound and feel are also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. By considering these factors, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
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, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a marbley sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched, adding an immersive auditory experience to your typing sessions. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its snappy and bouncy feel, providing a super responsive and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great option. This switch strikes the perfect balance between actuation force and tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and responsive typing feel. Furthermore, the Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile that is crisp and percussive, enhancing the auditory aspect of your typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Consider the medium-heavy force and marbley, high-pitched sound of the Baby Kangaroo switch if you prefer a more tactile and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium-light force and a satisfying, clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch would be the better option. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style. In the end, the decision is up to you.
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