Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Holly mechanical keyboard switches, it's apparent that they both offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactility and marbley sound profile, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and distinctive sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced typing experience categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral'. While each switch offers unique benefits, it's crucial to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best fit for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Holly are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate used in their top housing. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. This makes both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Holly suitable choices for users looking for switches with a clear housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a nylon bottom housing while the Dareu Holly also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This provides a duller and rounder sound experience for users typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience, thanks to the qualities that nylon brings to the bottom housing.
Overall, while the top housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Holly are identical in their use of polycarbonate, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. Despite this, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience as both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, typing feel, and overall sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams, making it the heavier option. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires 67 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is not specified. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Holly more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it offers a lighter actuation force. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and pressure requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holly, making it a good option for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Holly's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and pronounced keystroke for users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to travel distance, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 is praised for its clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound with a clean, resonant quality. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique chirpy and clacky sound combination, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) leaning towards a brighter, high-pitched sound, while the Holly switch offers a chirpy element that sets it apart.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is known for its snappy and bouncy feedback, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, its polished design ensures a smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, information on the Dareu Holly tactile switch's tactile feel is not provided, but based on the available information, we can infer that it offers a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in providing a crisp and bright sound profile with a snappy and bouncy typing feel, while the Holly switch offers a distinctive chirpy sound and a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a crisp, light tactile feedback with a marbly sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium 50g actuation force, unique chirpy and clacky sound elements, and an overall balanced typing experience, the Dareu Holly switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize bottom out force, sound profile, or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard.
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