Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to introduce two fantastic mechanical keyboard switches for you to consider: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Hyacinth. These switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Baby Kangaroo switch is perfect for those who crave a satisfying tactile experience, providing a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a distinctive marbley sound profile. It offers a clacky, marbly feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the typical hard bottoming-out sensation commonly found in switches with longer stems. It features a neutral and silky feel, with subtle tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Hyacinth share many similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches.
However, the differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing is described as eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the Baby Kangaroo offers a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Hyacinth, which also uses a nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to typing on these switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is mostly influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is shaped by the top housing. Therefore, users can expect slight differences in the typing experience between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Hyacinth, with the Baby Kangaroo potentially offering a slightly deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Hyacinth share a polycarbonate top housing that produces sharp and crisp sound profiles, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Baby Kangaroo offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nylon bottom housing, absorbing more sound than the Hyacinth. However, the overall typing experience and aesthetics will be similar for both switches, making them viable options for those looking for a satisfying and visually appealing switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Hyacinth's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force, while the Hyacinth requires 56 grams. This makes the Baby Kangaroo switch heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is lighter in both aspects, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. Despite their differences, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring satisfying tactile feedback during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference for typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a heavier feel and the Hyacinth providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo switch. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the longer travel distance provided by the Hyacinth switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial key press.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. The switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. The marbly sound profile is resonant and clean, comparable to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of colliding billiard balls. These high-pitched characteristics make the Baby Kangaroo switch ideal for those who prefer sharper and crisper sound profiles. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. Although the specific sound characteristics of the Hyacinth switch are not mentioned, we can assume that it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. The switch is super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, providing a lively and vibrant feel while typing. The keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving them a bouncy feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky and subtle. The switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light typing feel. The subtle characteristics make it suitable for shared spaces, as its sound signature will not be resonant.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch is praised for its crisp, light tactility and marbly sound profile, along with its snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch focuses on achieving an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It features a unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, along with a preference for a more consistent force curve through a single-stage elongated spring. Although the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Hyacinth switch are not described in detail, its neutral sound profile and silky, subtle feel suggest a versatile and smooth typing experience. While both switches offer their own unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use case to determine which switch would be the best fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a clacky and marbly sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid hard bottoming-out, along with a neutral sound profile, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Additionally, if you value a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel in a switch, the Baby Kangaroo would be a good option, whereas if you prefer a silky and subtle typing experience, the Hyacinth would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
