Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular choices in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both stand out for their tactile feedback. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is lauded for its crisp and light tactile sensation, coupled with a unique marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight, thanks to its single-stage spring design. While both switches exhibit high-precision molds and polished finishes, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) leans towards a clacky and bouncy feel, while the Jupiter Brown is characterized by a more mild and stepped keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, we can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, when we look at the nylon bottom housings of both switches, we find that they elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
While both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jupiter Brown share the same qualities in their top polycarbonate housing, their bottom nylon housings provide a point of differentiation. The nylon bottom housing of the switches gives each a unique feel and sound profile when typing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will result in a deeper and fuller sound experience, contrasting with the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This showcases how the different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, providing users with a variety of options based on their sound preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound experience, the distribution of these materials in the switches will impact the overall typing feel. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or a fuller sound with the Jupiter Brown, both switches offer a unique typing experience that showcases the impact housing materials can have on the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which requires 55 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, while the Jupiter Brown needs 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Baby Kangaroo, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a more robust typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a choice based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Jupiter Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 (V2) tactile switch is known for its unique combination of clacky and marbly sound profiles. This means that when pressed, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound with resonant, high-pitched, and clean characteristics. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is not provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. These switches are known for their polished finish, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Additionally, these switches are mentioned to have a stepped feel, providing a tactile feedback with two stages of keystrokes.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a crisp, light tactility with a unique sound profile that combines elements of clackiness and marbliness. The feel of these switches is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch blends tradition with innovation, offering a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. While specific information about the sound and feel of the Jupiter Brown switch is not provided, it can be inferred that it offers a more mild and polished typing experience with a stepped feel for tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) if you prefer a lower bottom out force of 67 grams, a clacky and marbly sound profile, and enjoy the snappy and bouncy feel of the switch. This switch offers a unique tactile experience with a light and crisp tactility. On the other hand, opt for the Jupiter Brown if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams, a more traditional keystroke feel, and a mild and polished tactile experience. The Jupiter Browns offer a classic tactile feel with enhanced softer backlight effects for an aesthetically pleasing typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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