Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Silver offer distinct experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo is praised for its crisp tactility, marbley sound profile, and overall bouncy and polished feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, and smooth keystrokes, providing a sense of precision and closure with each press. While the Baby Kangaroo excels in providing a clacky and resonant typing experience, the Gold Silver offers a more polished and subtle sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Silver, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both switches' polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizing nylon and the Gold Silver also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users can expect a more muted sound experience from both switches' nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. While both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Gold Silver feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, they also differ in their use of nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. By understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for keyboard typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that they differ in weight. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. In contrast, the Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing endurance and the overall typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Gold Silver for longer typing periods, while individuals seeking a more robust keystroke may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them favorable choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable during actual use. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is slightly shorter in travel distance, users may not feel a significant difference in performance compared to the Gold Silver. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar overall experience with their close travel distances.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a unique combination of a clacky and marbly sound profile. The sharp and snappy sound of the switch is complemented by a resonant and high-pitched tone, creating a pleasant auditory experience for the user. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound signature. The deep, rich sound of the Gold Silver switch provides a satisfying typing experience, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Gateron switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is subjective and will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is characterized by its snappy and bouncy feedback. The switch's responsiveness and spring-like sensation make typing feel more lively, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Similarly, the TTC Gold Silver switch also boasts a polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the silky smoothness of the Gold Silver switch enhances the overall typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a gentle typing feel. Both switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone, offering approachable qualities that cater to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron switch delivers a crisp and marbly sound profile coupled with a snappy and bouncy feel, the TTC switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound signature with a polished and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, as both provide a blend of unique characteristics that cater to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a marbley sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer rapid responsiveness, a smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out, and a neutral sound profile with no specified bottom out force, the TTC Gold Silver could be the switch that suits your needs best. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound characteristics or speed and fluidity in your typing experience.
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