Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. On one hand, we have the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility. When using these switches, you can expect a satisfying feedback that resembles the feeling of pressing a button. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switches provide a distinctive marbley sound profile, adding an extra touch of elegance to your typing experience. On the other hand, we have the TTC Honey, a linear switch that offers a smooth and creamy type feel. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a frictionless typing experience, with a satisfyingly deep sound profile that further enhances the user's enjoyment. While the Baby Kangaroo provides a clacky and high-pitched sensation, the TTC Honey offers a more subdued and buttery experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Honey have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience from both the Baby Kangaroo and Honey switches due to their shared housing material.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, while the Honey maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its polycarbonate top housing. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of these switches, particularly during keystrokes and key releases.
When it comes to pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's qualities will be more prominent. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey will contribute to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. As both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics when letting go of a key, with a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the Honey requires only 42 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Honey switch lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, whereas the Honey requires only 50 grams to fully press down. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Honey switch is also lighter in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would be ideal. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and more effortless keystrokes. This can be especially beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue and strain on the fingers may become an issue. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo provides a more substantial typing experience for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. With its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a tactile feedback that can enhance typing precision and make each keystroke feel more intentional.
However, if an individual wishes to achieve similar results with both switches, they can customize the Baby Kangaroo by lubricating the switch or modifying it to reduce its actuation and bottom out forces. By doing so, they can achieve a lighter typing experience comparable to the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter and smoother feel or a more substantial and tactile response.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Honey switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch.
In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. A shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming, a switch with a longer travel distance, like the TTC Honey switch, may be the better option.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Those seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the Baby Kangaroo switch with its shorter travel distance, while those seeking a deeper and more substantial sensation may prefer the Honey switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages, and it is up to the individual to decide which option suits their needs best.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 switch offers a unique and distinct experience. It is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky nature of the switch results in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory feedback. Additionally, the marbly characteristic adds a resonant and high-pitched element to the sound, resembling the tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch provides a subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to other switches. The Honey switch lacks specific descriptors in the information provided, suggesting that its sound profile is not as distinctive as the Baby Kangaroo. However, with the right combination of keyboard and keycaps, similar results of a smooth and pleasant sound profile can be achieved.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch boasts a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The snappy characteristic indicates its high responsiveness, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. This responsiveness enhances the typing experience, making it feel more alive. Moreover, the bouncy nature of the switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, implying a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of quality materials or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch is known for its creamy and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the Honey switch offers a silky sensation, as if gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing experience. The Honey switch also shares the polished characteristic with the Baby Kangaroo, indicating reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to an overall refined typing feel. Therefore, both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, albeit with different nuances.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch showcase distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo exhibits a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Its feel is characterized by snappiness, bounciness, and polish, offering a responsive and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey switch provides a subdued sound, resulting in a more subtle and gentle auditory feedback. Its feel is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, giving a smooth, effortless, and refined typing experience. While the switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences, each with its unique qualities. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences for sound profiles and typing sensations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great option for you. The Baby Kangaroo switches offer a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. They also produce a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, which can be appealing if you enjoy sharp and clean auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a better choice. The Honey switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and buttery feel, giving you a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They produce a subdued sound, which is dampened and subtle, making it suitable for shared spaces or if you prefer a more muted sound signature.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile experience, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
