Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, tactile feedback and actuation force play crucial roles in the typing experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch that delights users with its crisp, light tactility and marbley sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience characterized by its clacky and resonant tones. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and sound when typing, making it a fantastic option for typists and gamers who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch is a linear switch that offers exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, making it a standout choice for those who prioritize a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. With a medium-light actuation force, the Gravel provides a responsive and effortless typing experience, perfect for prolonged use without fatigued fingers. Thus, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) caters to those seeking tactile elements and audible feedback, the Gravel appeals to users desiring smooth and quiet performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and HMX Gravel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which give them a similar auditory characteristic. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when these switches are activated. This material's translucency not only enhances the visual experience, especially under RGB lighting but also reinforces the clarity of sound produced by the switches. Users can expect a consistent audio experience from both switches due to this commonality in top housing material, allowing for a clear and resonating typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which markedly contrasts the polycarbonate judgments above. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which absorbs sound better than stiffer plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's inherent properties contribute to a more muted auditory experience, which is essential for the bottom-out sound when key presses are completed. The use of nylon in both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and HMX Gravel allows typists to experience a rounded and pleasing acoustic feedback as they type, with the impact largely attributed to the bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to a cohesive sound experience across both switches. While the top polycarbonate layers ensure high clarity and brightness in sound, the nylon bottoms provide a contrast that softens and deepens that clarity into a more rounded auditory feedback. Consequently, despite differences in branding and specific design intentions, users can expect similar resonant qualities and overall typing feedback when using either switch, as the distinct roles of the bottom and top housings work together to harmonize the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch with the HMX Gravel linear switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it more suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience that allows for a tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch is noticeably lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter weight may appeal to those who value extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces the effort required to press down on the keys. Ultimately, if you prefer a heavier switch for a pronounced tactile feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better option, while the Gravel caters to those who favor lightweight switches for comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Gravel linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Baby Kangaroo the shorter option between the two. Given that the difference is only 0.1 mm, users seeking a more responsive feel may find that the tactile characteristics of the Baby Kangaroo provide a snappier experience, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Gravel, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial pressing sensation that some users appreciate for its depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may boil down to personal preference regarding the desired balance between quick response times and tactile feedback.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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) offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a clacky, marbly sound profile. This switch produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound, which can be quite engaging, akin to the high-pitched resonance of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch does not have a specified sound profile available for comparison, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. However, it is essential to remember that the overall sound of any switch can also depend significantly on the mechanical keyboard's construction and the choice of keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its combination of snappy, bouncy, and polished responses. The snappy nature of this switch gives it a highly responsive feel, enhanced by its unique spring design, while the bouncy feedback provides a lively and elastic sensation upon keypress. The polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring effortless travel. Conversely, the HMX Gravel linear switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force, creating a typing experience that is both responsive and gratifyingly effortless. Nevertheless, without further detail on the feel of the Gravel switch, a direct comparison remains elusive.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a tactile experience with an engaging sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a compelling choice with its crisp, resonance-filled feedback and lively tactile qualities. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch promises a smooth and lightweight typing experience, though specific feel and sound properties remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches can potentially cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, delivering either tactile engagement or a refined linear experience depending on user selection.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the experience you're looking to achieve. If you enjoy a more tactile feel and a pronounced auditory feedback with a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams that adds a sense of sturdiness to your keystrokes. Its snappy and bouncy characteristics make it ideal for typists who appreciate a lively typing experience, making it a great option for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel linear switch, with its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force, might be more suitable for you. The Gravel's smoothness will enable rapid key presses without fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for tasks that require extensive typing or fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for a tactile and audibly satisfying experience, and opt for the HMX Gravel when you seek a fluid and responsive key feel without the additional auditory feedback.
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