Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TKC Kiwi. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a unique marbley sound profile. With its clacky, high-pitched, and snappy characteristics, this switch provides a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing typing satisfaction. With its stepped, low-pitched, and neutral characteristics, this switch delivers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TKC Kiwi switches differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for greater clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those seeking a more defined and vibrant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. In contrast, the Kiwi employs a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material known for its bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE top housings, users can expect resonant clacks, resulting in a unique auditory experience.
While the top housings of the Baby Kangaroo and the Kiwi differ, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housings due to its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can expect a more muted and tactile typing experience when using switches with nylon bottom housings, regardless of whether they are using the Baby Kangaroo or the Kiwi.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, regardless of whether one is using the Baby Kangaroo or the Kiwi, the bottom housing's qualities will strongly influence the tactile feedback experienced when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, choosing between these two switches depends on whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound profile (Baby Kangaroo) or a bright sound signature with resonant clacks (Kiwi) during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Kiwi's actuation force of 43 grams, making the Kiwi the lighter option. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that the typing experience will feel similar in terms of the pressure required to fully depress the keys. For those who prefer a lighter touch while typing for extended periods, the TKC Kiwi would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a stronger and more substantial typing experience is desired, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo provides a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Kiwi falls within the range of 4.0 mm, which is considered the most common. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt for some users who prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, opting for the Kiwi switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke experience. In summary, while the Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the Kiwi provides a bit more depth and may be preferred by those seeking a more robust 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches are described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a clean and percussive profile. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as low-pitched and neutral. They have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Baby Kangaroo switches. The Kiwi switches provide a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches are super responsive and provide a spring-like feedback sensation. They have a lively and rebounding feel when pressed due to the longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. They have a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtleness. The switches also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches offer a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile. They have a clacky and high-pitched sound, and a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches offer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. They have a low-pitched sound and a stepped and accented feel. Both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience due to the factory lubing. While the subjective qualities of the switches differ, both can provide a satisfying tactile typing experience depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is the right choice for you. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and percussive, along with a snappy and bouncy feel that provides a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch would be the better option. It has a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, and a stepped or accented feel that offers a mild tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TKC Kiwi switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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