Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Ink Box Black, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for providing a tactile experience that is unparalleled, delivering a crisp and light switch-like tactility. With its marbley sound profile, users can expect a unique auditory sensation, resonating with a high-pitched and clacky tone. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and creaminess. Its sound signature evokes the imagery of a spray paint can being shaken, providing a high-pitched and clacky sound, albeit with a silky and polished edge. Both switches have their respective appeals, offering diverse tactile and auditory experiences. However, let's explore further beyond these generalities to help you select the perfect switch that aligns with your individual preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a slightly higher-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This thin and clacky sound profile adds a unique tactile experience to typing.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Ink Box Black switch utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing. The pointed and relatively high-pitched sound created by the INK blend adds to the overall clacky sensation users experience while typing.

While the housing materials differ between the two switches, it is noteworthy that both options provide distinct sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a combination of sharpness and depth, resulting in a balanced sound experience. Similarly, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings contribute to a pointed and clacky sound profile. Whether it is the Baby Kangaroo's stiffer polycarbonate or the Ink Box Black's softer nylon, the housing materials influence the sound when pressing down and releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we can see that both switches have similar weight ranges. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is slightly lighter at 59 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Overall, both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, offering a more substantial typing experience compared to lighter switches. Therefore, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience can opt for either of these switches. However, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may find the Baby Kangaroo to be more suitable.

Travel distance

The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who desire faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Baby Kangaroo with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt or lack depth, so if you prefer a more substantial feel to your key presses, the Ink Box Black with its slightly longer travel distance might be the better option. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a unique experience. It has a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy when pressed. This creates a crisp and bright sound profile that can be described as percussive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a marbly sound profile, which means it is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. It produces a sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch also has a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It produces a crisp and bright sound profile. Although it is not explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed that the Ink Box Black switch has a high-pitched sound profile similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, using either the Baby Kangaroo or the Ink Box Black switches will provide similar results in terms of sound.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The switch is super responsive, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs used. This makes the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the keys have a lively feel and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a sense of rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Ink Box Black switch is also described as polished, highlighting its smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo switch having a snappier and bouncier feel, while the Ink Box Black switch offers an exceptionally smooth experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities for mechanical keyboards. In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a clacky and marbly sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and high-pitched. The Ink Box Black switch shares some similarities with its clacky sound profile and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a polished finish, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with reduced resistance and a polished finish. Overall, both switches provide satisfying results, with the Baby Kangaroo switch having a more tactile feel and unique sound, and the Ink Box Black switch offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo is the perfect choice for you. The Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience. In terms of feel, it is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, giving you a responsive and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch that is incredibly smooth and creamy, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, then the Gateron Ink Box Black is the ideal option. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, delivering a crisp and bright audio feedback. In terms of feel, it is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a light, tactile switch with a marbley sound profile, opt for the Baby Kangaroo. If you prefer a smooth, creamy linear switch with a spray paint-like sound, go for the Ink Box Black. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more