Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch? Look no further! Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two amazing options: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch that offers a unique experience with its crisp, light switch-like tactility. Not only that, it also adds a touch of sophistication to your typing experience with its marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that boasts a smooth typing feel, making it lighter compared to other mechanical switches. Additionally, it provides a higher-pitched clack sound when in use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in terms of the materials used. The Baby Kangaroo has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is not overly sharp. This unique blend creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with the top housing. It also yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. This blend contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Although the top and bottom housings of the switches have different materials, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Ink Box Pink deliver a relatively high-pitched sound profile. While the Baby Kangaroo achieves this through its stiffer polycarbonate top housing and softer nylon bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink utilizes its proprietary INK blend for both housings. Both switches offer a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the key, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Additionally, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and clacky sound experience from both switches, albeit with slight differences in the specific qualities of the sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force at 59 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires a lighter force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires a heavier 67 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. However, both options fall into the medium weight category, offering a balanced typing experience that is not excessively heavy or light. This gives users the assurance that they can type comfortably for extended periods, making them suitable for work or long gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the user experience. Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while a shallower 3.0 mm travel distance is becoming more common. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick and responsive typing, the Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find shorter key travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you enjoy a more substantial pressing sensation, then the Ink Box Pink linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option for you. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when selecting a switch, as both options can deliver satisfying results depending on the individual's requirements.
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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch are described as clacky. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright profile. The Baby Kangaroo switch is also described as marbly, which means it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound profile, similar to tapping on solid marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. The Ink Box Pink switch, on the other hand, is simply described as high-pitched. This means it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a marbly resonance, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a simpler high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink switch can deliver similar results.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. These qualities contribute to a super responsive and lively typing experience. The keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a bouncy feel and rebound when pressed. The switch also boasts a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky and polished. The silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience by enhancing the overall smoothness of the keypress, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Ink Box Pink also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and refined experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a unique marbly resonance alongside its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch delivers a simpler high-pitched sound. However, both switches offer a similar clacky sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, while the Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished feel. Overall, depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique tactile experience, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-heavy 67-gram bottom out force, it offers a crisp and light tactile feedback, along with a marbly sound profile that resembles the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or billiard balls colliding. The Baby Kangaroo switch is also described as clacky and resonant, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Moreover, it offers a snappy and bouncy feel, making it super responsive and giving a lively rebound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter typing feel and a smooth experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is the better choice. With its 60-gram bottom out force, it offers a smooth and polished typing experience. The Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky sound and high-pitched sound profile. It is also described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo is ideal for those who enjoy a slightly heavier tactile switch with a unique sound profile, while the Ink Box Pink is perfect for those who prefer a lighter linear switch with a smooth typing feel.
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