Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is renowned for its crisp and light tactile feedback, providing a unique marbley sound profile during use. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature along with a silky typing experience thanks to its production by Haimu. While both switches fall under the 'clacky' category, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is also described as 'marbly', 'resonant', 'snappy', 'bouncy', and 'polished', whereas the Lightning Silver V3 is noted for being 'silky'. Both switches have their own unique features and advantages, making them appealing options for different preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the top housing for a consistent sound experience throughout.
While both switches have top housings made of polycarbonate for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials impacts the overall typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, providing a softer typing feel that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 maintains consistency with its polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the sharper and crisper sound profile of the top housing. This showcases how varying housing materials can affect the sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences of typists.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer a softer typing experience with a deeper sound may opt for the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, typists looking for a consistent and sharp sound profile throughout may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, with both top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate. Both switches excel in offering distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on the weight of the forces required. If one prefers a lighter feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier push would lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2).Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force weight.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable options for users looking for a consistent 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a unique combination of clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant qualities, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch also features a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches have their distinct sound profiles, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and how they interact with the specific keyboard setup, including keycaps and board materials.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is highlighted for its snappy and bouncy characteristics, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches contributes to a smooth and refined typing feel. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While both switches offer unique tactile and responsive qualities, the decision between the two will depend on the individual's preference for a snappy and bouncy feel versus a silky and smooth typing experience.
Taking all information into account, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in providing a crisp and bright sound profile along with a responsive and lively typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on a sharp and high-pitched sound signature paired with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider how these switches will interact with your specific keyboard setup to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactile feedback with a marbley sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a clacky, high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 might be more suited to your liking. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch and choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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