Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Kiki Red stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a tactile typing experience with a crisp, light tactility and a unique marbley sound profile, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a linear typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, all housed in POM material with a smooth actuation thanks to the Ly stems, and categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, but let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Its translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red comes with a POM top housing, offering a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, the Kiki Red's POM top housing offers a distinct and deep typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red features a POM bottom housing that also creates a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper and more muted end. Both switches prioritize sound quality and typing experience, but the nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo may offer a slightly different typing feel compared to the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of top and bottom housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch determine the sound profile and typing feel during key presses and releases. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing material affects the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Kiki Red prioritize unique sound profiles and typing experiences through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the heavier option with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Kiki Red provides a lighter typing experience, which can be preferable for those looking for a more gentle feel while typing for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with the Kiki Red being suitable for light and quick typing, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them favorable for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different tactile feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker responses or a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 (V2) tactile switch offers a unique marbly and high-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant. This can provide a pleasant auditory experience for users who enjoy a distinctive, sharp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. While different in sound profile, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their distinct auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is noted for its snappy and bouncy characteristics, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. The polished feel of these switches contributes to smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy and frictionless, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches aim to cater to users who appreciate a refined and smooth typing feel, albeit through different tactile approaches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a marbly, high-pitched sound and a snappy, bouncy feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, crisp tactile feedback, and a unique marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a comfortably high-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience with all-POM housings, the Bsun Kiki Red switch may be more to your liking. As we have seen, each switch offers its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to what feels and sounds best for you during your typing sessions.
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