Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two incredible mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Gold Brown. These switches both fall under the tactile category, providing a satisfying bump when typing. However, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp, light tactility and a distinctive marbley sound profile. It possesses a clacky and high-pitched nature, making each keystroke feel snappy and bouncy. On the other hand, the Gold Brown takes pride in its balanced nature, combining a slight bump with a moderate weightiness. Its rounded sound profile is generally softer than most switches without completely silencing the typing experience. Now that we have explored these generalities, let's dive deeper into the qualities of each switch so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Gold Brown switches have similar housing materials, with both utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. This material also allows for the switch to have a translucent appearance, making it ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer a clear and resonant sound profile, as well as the option to showcase attractive lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Brown also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo might have a slightly deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
Considering the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Thus, users of either the Baby Kangaroo or the Gold Brown switches can expect a combination of the unique qualities brought by both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches offer a similar experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gold Brown's 55 grams, while both switches have a comparable bottom out force with the Baby Kangaroo at 67 grams and the Gold Brown at 63 grams. This makes the Baby Kangaroo switch slightly lighter overall, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gold Brown switch may be the preferred option. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing satisfying feedback for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In the realm of switch travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the shallowest option available. However, it should be noted that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this regard, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press might find the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - those seeking a more responsive typing experience may opt for the Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance, while those desiring a deeper sensation may lean towards the Gold Brown.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it ideal for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. It is described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch can be described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches are super responsive, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation. They have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics and provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Gateron switch, the Gold Brown also has a polished finish, ensuring a smooth keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Gold Brown tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo has a sharper and more percussive sound profile, while the Gold Brown has a softer and more rounded sound. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo is snappier and bouncier, while the Gold Brown is milder and buttery. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a balanced feel and a softer sound, the TTC Gold Brown would be a good option.
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 is the one for you. These switches offer a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. They also produce clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sounds when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a balanced feel, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great option. These switches have a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They provide a mild and buttery typing experience, giving you a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The sound profile of the Gold Brown is neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Gold Brown switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and overall typing experience to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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