Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often vary based on personal typing style and environment. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out as a tactile switch, offering users a crisp and light tactility combined with a distinctive marble sound profile. With descriptors like "clacky" and "snappy," this switch caters to those who relish a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura presents a linear option, designed for unmatched comfort and quiet operation. Ideal for both extended typing sessions and shared workspaces, its ultra-light feel diminishes typing fatigue while ensuring discretion. Consequently, while the Baby Kangaroo invites a playful and responsive feel, the Light Sakura focuses on a serene, unobtrusive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Light Sakura both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which leads to comparable acoustic properties. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which ensures a clear and resonant sound. Both switches share this polycarbonate top, making them especially suited for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing visual aesthetics. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory and visual outcomes when utilizing these switches, underscoring the crucial role of top housing material in determining the overall sound signature.
Contrasting the bottom housing materials reveals significant differences between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound waves, creating a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning its acoustic qualities with those of its top housing. The polycarbonate bottom contributes to the same crisp sound profile that the top housing produces, creating a cohesive auditory experience. This divergence between housing materials means that the tactile feedback and sound characteristics are split between the two switches, resulting in a prominent distinction in how they feel and sound during use.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. For the Baby Kangaroo (V2), the softness of the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile experience during key presses. Conversely, the Light Sakura, with its dual polycarbonate construction, offers a more uniform sound signature throughout the typing experience. The differences in bottom housing material between the two switches mean that while they may sound similar when releasing the key (due to the shared polycarbonate top), the experience during the key press will vary notably. Users can expect a more rounded sound from the Baby Kangaroo (V2) compared to the crisper and more resonant sound from the Light Sakura during operation, showcasing how these variances in housing materials contribute to the overall user experience.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch offer contrasting typing experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing feel, which some users may find satisfying during extended use. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches enable smooth typing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) will engage a heavier push, appealing to users seeking a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for weight and feedback; the heavier Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a different experience compared to the lighter Bsun Light Sakura.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances generally allow for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Light Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and pronounced feel for users who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes responsiveness, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better choice, while the Bsun Light Sakura would be more appealing for those who enjoy a more substantial travel distance.
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 Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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) offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a combination of clacky and marbly qualities. The switch produces a sharp, crisp sound that is bright and percussive, making it particularly lively during typing. This sound is further enhanced by its high-pitched and resonant profile, which creates an immersive auditory experience akin to the resonance of striking a solid surface. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed to operate silently, prioritizing discretion and comfort in sound, making it especially suitable for shared or office environments. While the Light Sakura emphasizes quietness, the Baby Kangaroo invites an interactive and vibrant typing sound, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy characteristics. The responsiveness of the switch is a result of its design, which can involve longer or dual-staged springs, giving the typing experience a lively and dynamic sensation. This bouncy feedback contributes to an engaging typing feel, allowing for an enjoyable and tactile interaction with the keyboard. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches indicates a refined finishing, promoting smooth key travel and reduced friction. The tactile feedback is intentional and significant, providing typists with a tactile cue. Conversely, the feel of the Light Sakura is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but its focus on comfort suggests it may prioritize a gentle and more fatigue-reducing experience compared to the more responsive Baby Kangaroo.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a vibrant sound profile and an engaging tactile feel with its snappy and bouncy characteristics, making it an enjoyable choice for those who thrive on auditory and tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is tailored for those who seek a quieter, more discreet typing experience, ideal for environments where sound sensitivity is a consideration. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Baby Kangaroo emphasizing an energizing typing experience, while the Light Sakura provides a gentle, fatigue-reducing alternative. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value lively sound and tactile feedback or quiet operation and comfort in extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback that is snappy and bouncy, and if you appreciate a distinct sound profile that combines clacky and marbly characteristics, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams makes it ideal for those who like a firmer typing experience, especially during gaming or situations where precise keystrokes matter. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods or working in shared environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, the Light Sakura’s ultra-light 43-gram actuation force and silent operation will provide a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience without bothering those around you. Thus, your decision should hinge on the balance between tactile feedback and noise level preference, as well as your typing habits and the setting in which you’ll most often be using your keyboard.
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