Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Kang White. The Baby Kangaroo is widely recognized for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbley sound profile. With its clacky, high-pitched, and snappy characteristics, this switch offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White is renowned for its exquisite poppy linear switch design, resulting in a dazzling typing sound. What sets it apart is the unmatched smoothness achieved through its self-lubricating material. Categorized as low-pitched and neutral, this switch provides a more subtle auditory experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your keyboard preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Kang White have very similar 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 stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Baby Kangaroo and Kang White switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the switches differ in material. The Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Kang White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption of sound creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, both switches will offer a slightly different typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing the user with tactile feedback and impact when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing is responsible for the sound when a key is released. As both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the sound when letting go of a key will be similar in terms of sharpness, pitch, and crispness. Therefore, while there may be a slight difference in the typing experience due to the different bottom housings, the overall sound profile and feedback will be relatively similar between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Kang White.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo switch has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the Kang White switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, whereas the Kang White requires a slightly lighter force of 58 grams.
The Baby Kangaroo can be considered medium-heavy in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Kang White falls into the medium category for both. If weight is a critical factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kang White, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces of 45 grams and 58 grams respectively allow for extended typing periods without strain. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the slightly heavier forces of the Baby Kangaroo, 59 grams for actuation and 67 grams for bottom out, may be preferred.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. The Baby Kangaroo provides a medium-heavy experience, offering a more solid feel, while the Kang White offers a medium experience with lighter forces. Both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the actuation and bottom out forces determining the overall feel and weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of distance, the Kang White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, making the Kang White more in line with the standard. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferable option. However, it is important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth to the key press, the Kang White with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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 tactile switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile. The sound produced by these switches is described as clacky, high-pitched, resonant, and marbly. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, while the high-pitched and resonant qualities provide a clean and sharp auditory experience. The marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched quality gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the neutral descriptor indicates a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy characteristic of these switches makes them highly responsive, providing a more lively typing experience. The bouncy quality gives a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, adding a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. The polished attribute indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no available information describing the feel of the KTT Kang White linear switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, resonant, and marbly sound profile, which can result in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Its feel is characterized by snappiness, bounciness, and polish, offering a responsive and lively typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kang White linear switch is described as low-pitched and neutral in terms of sound, with no available information on its feel. If aiming for similar results, one may expect the KTT Kang White linear switch to offer a low-pitched, mellow sound and a neutral feel, suitable for various typing purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice. It offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched. The Baby Kangaroo switch is also described as clacky, giving it a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Kang White switch is the way to go. It is known for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch and produces a dazzling typing sound. The Kang White switch is also self-lubricating, giving it an unparalleled smoothness when typing. It is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This switch is neutral in terms of feel, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, then the Baby Kangaroo is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a dazzling typing sound, and a smooth and self-lubricating feel, then the Kang White is the switch to choose. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience to make the best decision.
Mentioned in this article
