Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can greatly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out as a tactile switch, offering a uniquely crisp and light feel, complemented by its marbley sound profile that provides an engaging auditory feedback, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate tactility while typing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, a linear switch, is known for its soft, lightweight design that delivers a smooth and neutral typing experience, perfect for users who favor a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Baby Kangaroo thrives on its snappy, resonant characteristics that add a playful element to typing, the Lucky's silky and polished texture emphasizes comfort and efficiency. Choosing between these two exceptional switches depends on your personal preferences—whether you seek a satisfying tactile response or a smooth, uninterrupted action. 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
3.80 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Lucky, distinct differences emerge that significantly affect their acoustic properties. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, thus resulting in a crisp auditory feedback that many users find appealing, especially those who enjoy the aesthetic of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, a traditional choice that leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, culminating in a rounder and less pronounced auditory experience than its polycarbonate counterpart.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Lucky employ nylon for this component. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will demonstrate a consistent deeper and fuller auditory characteristic. The use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a more subdued and muffled response when a key is pressed down, providing a smoother typing experience. This makes both switches comparable in terms of bottoming out, despite their differing top housings that offer unique acoustic profiles above the key.
In essence, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and HMX Lucky switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their commonality in nylon bottom housings aligns their sound profiles during the act of bottoming out. This means that while the sound and feel when releasing a key may vary due to the materials used in the top housings, the overall typing experience retains similarities attributed to the nylon material in both switches' bottoms. Thus, users can anticipate a balanced auditory experience, layering the sharper and crisper notes from the polycarbonate with the fuller tones produced by the nylon on both switches' bottoms.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users prefer for its feedback and solid feel. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter configuration makes it easier for users to type for extended periods without fatigue, which is particularly advantageous for long work or gaming sessions. Therefore, if you gravitate toward a more robust feel while typing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch that facilitates quicker keystrokes, the HMX Lucky linear switch would suit you better. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference regarding typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it becomes clear that these two switches offer different experiences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is the longer of the two. For those who prefer faster response times, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance, aligning with the recent preference for shorter travel in gaming. In contrast, the HMX Lucky provides a more traditional depth, which could be more comfortable for users who like a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, your choice will ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize responsiveness over depth.
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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both exhibit a clacky character, producing a sharp and percussive auditory experience when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) takes this further, being described as high-pitched and resonant, which leads to a crisper and more immersive sound that appeals to those who prefer a bright and snappy keyboard. The Lucky, while clacky, does not emphasize the same high pitch or resonant quality, so it may offer a slightly less vivid auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches can be expected to produce a satisfying sound when typing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may stand out for those who appreciate high-frequency auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) boasts a snappy and bouncy sensation, characterized by lively rebounds and a responsive typing experience. This is enhanced by its polished finish, allowing for smooth key travel with minimal friction. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch also provides a bouncy quality but emphasizes a silky smoothness that minimizes resistance, making for an exceptionally fluid typing experience. Both switches are polished, ensuring a refined feel, but the Baby Kangaroo (V2) leans more towards a responsive snappiness, whereas the Lucky prioritizes an overall silky smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Lucky linear switch offer unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) shines with its lively, snappy feel and high-pitched sound, making it a great option for those who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch prioritizes smoothness and a balanced response, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more neutral typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek that engaging, vibrant sound and responsiveness or a sleek and effortlessly smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile experience with a noticeable bump that enhances your typing feedback, along with a crisp and resonant sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a more engaging and lively typing sensation, making it a great option for gaming or typing enthusiasts seeking responsiveness and tactile clarity. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, silky feel that allows for rapid key presses without much resistance, the HMX Lucky linear switch is ideal. This switch offers a neutral typing experience that is not only satisfying but also quiet, making it suitable for those who favor a more subdued auditory profile, whether in a shared workspace or during late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience or a light, smooth, and quieter feel in your keyboard.
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