Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Laurel. If you're in search of a tactile switch, the Baby Kangaroo offers a unique experience with its crisp and light switch-like tactility. This switch also provides a distinct marbley sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the KTT Laurel may be the perfect choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel boasts a subtly low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Laurel switches differ in terms of their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Laurel's POM top housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo is better suited for those who prefer a brighter and crisper sound, particularly when combined with RGB lighting.
Regarding the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material that enhances the switch's sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller tone. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Laurel features a POM bottom housing that shares similarities with the Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing. Both nylon and POM contribute to a deeper sound profile, albeit with slight differences in the resulting tone. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Laurel switches have distinct characteristics that affect their respective sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Laurel's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted tone. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize materials that enhance the switch's sound, with the Baby Kangaroo's nylon housing offering a duller and rounder tone compared to the Laurel's POM housing. Despite their differences, users can expect similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Laurel provides a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly heavier push to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Laurel. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo, while those who enjoy typing for longer periods without excessive strain may opt for the Laurel. It's important to consider individual preferences and the intended usage before deciding between these switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Despite this small difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo may be the better option for you. However, it is important to note that some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth in its travel, the Laurel with its slightly longer distance may be more suitable for you. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that caters to modern preferences, but the Laurel offers a slightly longer distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 switch offers a unique experience. Users can expect a sharp and snappy sound, often described as clacky. Additionally, the switch provides a marbley sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This can be compared to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is characterized by a subtly low-pitched sound profile, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone. While the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp and bright sound, the Laurel switch provides a more subdued and relaxed auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Baby Kangaroo and Laurel offer a snappy typing experience. Snappy switches are highly responsive, providing a lively and engaging feel while typing. This responsiveness is often a result of longer or dual-staged springs within the switch. In addition, both switches have a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. A polished switch reduces friction and enhances the overall typing experience by offering a sleek and polished finish to the keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Laurel switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a clacky and marbley sound profile, with a sharp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound, delivering a mellow and bass-heavy tone. However, both switches share the trait of being snappy, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience. Additionally, they both offer a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel for the keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, the decision between choosing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch or the KTT Laurel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a medium-heavy bottom out force and values a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a medium-light linear switch with a subtly low-pitched sound profile, then the Laurel would be the better option. When it comes to sound, the Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant profile, while the Laurel provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone. In terms of feel, both switches are described as snappy, but the Baby Kangaroo is also described as bouncy and polished, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, you should consider these factors and make a choice that aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
