Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch known for its snappy responsiveness and unique sound profile, and the Neo Lavender HE, an innovative hall effect switch characterized by its clean, low sound. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a distinctly tactile experience, featuring a crisp feel coupled with a marbly auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a lively engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE stands out for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its smooth operation, appealing to users who prefer a quiet and precise typing experience, particularly in more subdued environments. Both switches have their unique strengths, appealing to different user preferences—whether you value the tactile feedback of the Baby Kangaroo or the silent precision of the Lavender HE. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences primarily due to the differences in their top housing compositions. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback while typing. The material's rigidity contributes to a clearer resonance, which is further amplified when RGB lighting is applied, enhancing the switch's aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material tends to produce a rounder audio experience, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
While the top housings of these switches differ significantly, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality is crucial because nylon's inherent softness contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile regardless of the configuration. As both switches incorporate nylon in the bottom housing, the resultant typing experience will feel cohesive in terms of bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In effect, the presence of nylon in both models allows them to deliver a richness in auditory feedback that users may appreciate, despite the contrasts introduced by their respective top housing materials.
The combination of these materials results in a unique sonic experience for each switch. With the Baby Kangaroo (V2), typists can expect a clear and lively sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, while the Lavender HE offers a more subdued and rounded auditory experience owing to its nylon top. The overall typing feedback will be enriched by the nylon bottom in both switches, reinforcing the idea that the interplay between different housing materials can influence both sound and feel. Therefore, while the two switches may present different sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that they achieve certain similarities in overall typing experience, integrating the benefits of both housing types.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a notably heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who seek comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Baby Kangaroo is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer feedback when typing, while the Lavender HE is preferable for those who favor ease of use and reduced finger fatigue. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for prolonged interaction without strain, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better choice due to its lighter force, whereas the Baby Kangaroo will appeal to those who find value in a more robust keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lavender HE features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the shorter switch, offering a more responsive feel that is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and tactile experience that some users might find less abrupt and more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with quicker responses, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better choice, while the Lavender HE suits those who prefer a deeper 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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches is characterized by a combination of a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched resonance that produces a crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. This creates a bright and energizing sound that many typists appreciate for its percussive nature. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches are known for their clean, low sound. Although specific descriptors for the Lavender HE's sound profile are not provided, it can be anticipated that it offers a different auditory experience, likely distinct from the vibrant and sharp notes of the Baby Kangaroo.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy, bouncy, and polished tactile response. This combination provides a lively and engaging typing experience, accentuated by responsive feedback due to the spring design. The smooth finish undoubtedly contributes to overall typing comfort, reducing friction during key travel. On the other hand, the tactile sensation and overall feel of the Neo Lavender HE switches are not fully outlined, leaving room for speculation about their performance in comparison to the Baby Kangaroo.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its dynamic sound and tactile qualities, perfect for users seeking an energizing typing experience. While the Neo Lavender HE switches provide a low sound profile, which may cater to a different preference, the exact feel remains uncertain. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific preferences in sound and tactile feedback, and selecting the right one will depend on the individual user's priorities for their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a snappy and bouncy feedback, along with a charmingly clacky yet marbly sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force at 67 grams. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more lively and engaging typing experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and more subdued, the Neo Lavender HE switch with its 50 grams bottom-out force might be more to your liking. While it boasts a clean, low sound profile, this switch excels in applications that benefit from speed and efficiency, particularly when used with Wooting keyboards. As a result, the Lavender HE is perfect for those who prioritize fast-paced gaming or typing without the distraction of a louder auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you gravitate towards a robust tactile response or a sleek, quieter operation.
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