Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two unique mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Grapefruit. The Baby Kangaroo switch boasts a delightful blend of a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marvelous marbley sound profile. Known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics, this switch offers a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch from KTT exudes a different charm with its soft and light touch, accompanied by a "baritone" yet not quite "bass" deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, these tarty linear switches offer a unique typing sensation. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best choice for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Grapefruit have similar housing materials in terms of their top housing, as both switches utilize polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Grapefruit offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo and the Grapefruit differ in material. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Grapefruit also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, meaning it shares the same qualities as the Baby Kangaroo in terms of sound profile. Both switches would provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is essential to note that the impact of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Baby Kangaroo or the Grapefruit, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the two switches may be slightly different, their overall sound profiles and typing experiences can be expected to be quite similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the Grapefruit requires only 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Grapefruit lighter when it comes to actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, whereas the Grapefruit weighs in at 53 grams. Thus, the Baby Kangaroo is also heavier in this aspect.
Considering the weight aspect, opting for the lighter Grapefruit switch might be preferable for those who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, minimizing fatigue. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel. For them, the heavier Baby Kangaroo switch might be a better choice.
Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer similar functionalities. Those seeking a medium-heavy tactile experience can find satisfaction with the Baby Kangaroo, while the Grapefruit offers a medium-light option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, we see that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm of the Grapefruit. This means that the Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly shallower keypress experience, which can be preferable for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the keypress, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter and more responsive press or a longer and more satisfying key travel distance.
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 Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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
The subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch are noticeably different. In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch is best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. These attributes contribute to a sharp and snappy sound profile with a clean and sharp resonance. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch is characterized as low-pitched and neutral. It produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Baby Kangaroo switch. The Grapefruit switch also offers a moderate sound profile suitable for various uses. However, it should be noted that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. These qualities indicate a switch that is super responsive, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a spring-like bounce and offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Grapefruit switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that promotes reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a crisp, light tactile feel and a marbley sound profile. It is characterized by its sharp and snappy sound, as well as its snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch provides a soft and light feel and a "baritone" sound profile. It has a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch. Both switches feature a polished feel, which enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While their qualities differ, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a tactile feel and a crisp, light tactility, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is a great choice. It offers a marbley sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch is also described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a linear feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is worth considering. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is lighter compared to the Baby Kangaroo. The Grapefruit switch has a "baritone" sound profile, though not yet "bass" deep, making it low-pitched in nature. It is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Grapefruit switches depends on your personal preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as the desired bottom out force and sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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