Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Red Pro stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo is praised for its crisp, light tactility that provides a unique feeling of bounce and snappiness, accompanied by a marbly sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro linear switch is celebrated for its versatility, offering a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature that suits various environments. While the Baby Kangaroo leans towards a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Gold Red Pro provides a subtle and polished feel suitable for a wide range of tasks. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings mean that users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches, with a focus on clarity and sharpness.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and TTC Gold Red Pro both use nylon for their bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials allows users to experience a combination of the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing when typing on these switches.
When comparing the two switches, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. With the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and TTC Gold Red Pro having different bottom housings but similar top housings, users can expect a combination of crispness and depth in sound when typing on these switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) will provide a slightly heavier typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the bottom out force for the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is 67 grams, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Gold Red Pro may bottom out with less force needed compared to the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro would be the more suitable option, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo for faster reactions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, which produces sharp and snappy noises with a resonant and high-pitched quality. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that is neither too pronounced nor too muted, making it suitable for any auditory environment. While the Baby Kangaroo switch may provide a more distinct and percussive sound experience, the Gold Red Pro switch presents a versatile and harmonious sound that can adapt to various settings, catering to different user preferences.
In terms of feel, both switches share the descriptor of being polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing sensation, while the Gold Red Pro switch is categorized as silky and mild, offering an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Despite these differences in tactile feedback, both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and approachable typing experience for users of varying preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a more unique and tactile sound and feel experience, while the Gold Red Pro switch offers a versatile and adaptable option for a wide range of users and settings. Depending on whether you prioritize a crisp and lively typing experience or a smooth and versatile one, both switches have their own strengths and can deliver satisfying results based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile along with a snappy and bouncy typing feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile along with a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro is the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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