Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Baby Kangaroo switch is renowned for its crisp and light tactile feel, accompanied by a delightful marbly sound profile. With its clacky, high-pitched, and bouncy characteristics, this switch provides an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch has cemented its place as a community favorite with its smooth downstroke and rich clack. Known for its low-pitched and bassy nature, this linear switch offers a milder and polished typing experience. While these general distinctions can guide your decision, let's delve deeper to ensure you choose the perfect switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. While both switches produce satisfying sounds, the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper tone, while the Ink Black V2's INK blend provides a slightly less sharp sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone overall. Contrastingly, the Ink Black V2 incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Despite the different materials, both switches produce a satisfying sound, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a deeper and fuller tone due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly sharper sound.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, the bottom housing is more influential in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo contributes to a deeper and fuller tone when keys are pressed, adding to the overall tactile experience. Conversely, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly sharper sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo results in a sharper and crisper sound when keys are released, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a satisfying clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note regarding their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a substantial typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Although the forces are very similar, the Ink Black V2 is slightly heavier in both aspects.
Considering weight is an essential factor for keyboard enthusiasts, the lighter actuation force in the Baby Kangaroo may be favored by those who wish to type for extended periods, making it an ideal choice for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer the additional resistance and push feel provided by a heavier switch, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. For those users, the Ink Black V2 with its slightly higher forces would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, granting similar results for those seeking a satisfying keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, one can observe a notable difference. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ink Black V2 boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a more significant depth when pressed, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches provide distinct experiences, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a quicker and more responsive touch, while the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly longer and more pronounced journey from top to bottom. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for either a snappier response or a deeper keypress sensation.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 tactile switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It has a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, adding a satisfying element to typing. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This creates a pleasant auditory experience reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch produces a contrasting sound profile. It is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It has a deep and rich sound resembling the depth associated with bass tones. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, these qualities provide a general understanding of the sound characteristics of each switch.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a snappy and bouncy sensation. This means it is highly responsive and provides a spring-like or elastic feedback when typing. These switches have a lively feel, offering rebound when pressed. Furthermore, they are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Similarly to the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Ink Black V2 is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a unique and enjoyable sound profile with its clacky and marbly characteristics. It provides a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, adding an immersive auditory experience to typing. In terms of feel, it is snappy, bouncy, and polished, resulting in highly responsive and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a contrasting sound profile with its low-pitched and bassy qualities. It gives a deep and rich sound during key presses. In terms of feel, it is mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their preferences. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth linearity of the Ink Black V2, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. These switches offer a crisp, light switch-like tactility and produce a unique marbly sound when pressed. The high-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo switches adds to the immersive auditory experience. Additionally, these switches are snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a suitable option. These switches are well-known for their smooth downstroke and rich clack sound. The low-pitched and bassy sound profile of the Ink Black V2 switches offers a more mellow tone, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. These switches provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch depends on your preferred sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique marbly sound and want a switch that feels snappy and bouncy, the Baby Kangaroo would be ideal. However, if you prefer a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, with a more mild typing experience, the Ink Black V2 would be a better fit. Consider these factors to find the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style. Overall, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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