Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Gold Pink, offers an opportunity to explore the nuances of tactile and linear switches. The Baby Kangaroo switch is renowned for its crisp and light tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a distinctive marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch stands out for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, making it perfect for those who prioritize speed and effortless typing. With a clacky sound that adds a touch of satisfaction, the Gold Pinks deliver a buttery and polished typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 Pink have similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a suitable choice for those who plan to use colorful lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar results when it comes to sound and compatibility with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Pink also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches that have a nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to its overall sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this difference can help users choose which switch aligns better with their desired sound profile.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Gold Pink share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile. Additionally, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound. However, the distinction in the sound generated when pressing down or releasing a key emphasizes the importance of considering the specific qualities each housing material brings to the overall switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gold Pink's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Similarly, the Baby Kangaroo also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Gold Pink measures a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. These differences in force make the Baby Kangaroo a medium-heavy switch, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gold Pink is considered light, making it ideal for individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience. Those who desire a similar result in terms of force might find satisfaction in choosing switches with comparable actuation and bottom out forces, such as both switches being on the lighter side or both falling within the medium-heavy range. Ultimately, the preference for weight in switches depends on individual preferences and use cases, with some favoring lighter switches for extended typing sessions, while others opt for heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, we can see that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gold Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm may seem small, but it can actually have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, providing a satisfying depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance, like that of the Baby Kangaroo, is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for competitive gaming. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, lacking in the perceived depth and satisfaction of longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience – whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more hearty feel.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a unique and distinctive experience. It is described as having a clacky sound profile, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. It can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch doesn't have any specific descriptors for its sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, we can expect similar lively and high-pitched sound profiles from the Gold Pink switches, although the specific characteristics may differ due to these external factors.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy characteristic indicates that it is super responsive and provides a more alive typing experience, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs. The bouncy feel gives a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Finally, the polished switch offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The TTC Gold Pink linear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the mild quality offers a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The feathery nature of the Gold Pink switch means it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle quality suggests a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, and the polished aspect ensures smoothness and reduced friction in the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer smooth and polished typing experiences, but the Baby Kangaroo focuses more on snappiness and bounciness, while the Gold Pink emphasizes the buttery smoothness and feather-light actuation force.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky and marbly sound profile, which is sharp, bright, percussive, resonant, and high-pitched. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the Gold Pink switch is unknown. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo is snappy, bouncy, and polished, while the Gold Pink is buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and also polished. In summary, the Baby Kangaroo provides a light and tactile typing experience with crisp tactility and a distinctive sound, whereas the Gold Pink delivers a light and smooth linear typing experience with a focus on buttery smoothness and a feather-light actuation force. Both switches offer a satisfying level of feedback, making them suitable for gaming or rapid typing. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and external factors such as keyboard board and keycaps to determine the ultimate typing experience for an individual.
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, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice. This switch offers a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a more alive and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound when pressed, which can enhance the auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be the way to go. With its lighter actuation force and gentle typing feel, this switch reduces finger fatigue and offers a comfortable experience during extended typing sessions. The Gold Pink switch also provides a buttery and mild keystroke sensation, characterized by a smooth and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Whether you prioritize a medium-heavy tactile switch with a marbley sound profile or a light linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Gold Pink switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
