Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the Durock Lupine, a linear switch. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp and light tactility, providing a delightful switch-like sensation. Additionally, the switches produce a distinct and pleasing marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Lupine boasts a smooth and consistent typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs, offering optimal weight distribution while pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. The sound produced by the Lupine is a classic clacky profile. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Lupine, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and the desire for a vibrant sound with RGB lighting, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Lupine would provide similar results.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo consists of nylon, while the Lupine also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing directly affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials comes into play. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon, primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, has a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches deliver unique characteristics due to their housing materials, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a crisper bottom-out sound and the Lupine providing a distinctive sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams, which is on the lighter side, while the Durock Lupine's actuation force is currently unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force, making it slightly heavier than the Lupine, which measures at 62 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo may be appealing to those who desire prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming use. This switch allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke activation. On the other hand, the Lupine's force remains undisclosed. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they might opt for options with heavier actuation forces and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo has a lighter actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Durock Lupine. However, due to the unknown actuation force of the Lupine, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Nonetheless, those seeking a tactile switch with a medium-heavy feel may find the Baby Kangaroo suitable, while the Lupine's potential force remains uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Lupine has the longer travel distance at 3.7 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If a swift and responsive typing experience is your priority, the Baby Kangaroo may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In such cases, the Lupine with its longer travel distance might be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired 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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 tactile switch is best described as clacky and marbly. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, they have a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch is described as having a classic clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed and falls under the category of high-pitched switches. Therefore, while the Lupine may not have the exact same sound characteristics as the Baby Kangaroo, both switches offer a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. As a snappy switch, it is highly responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. The bouncy nature of these switches provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Lupine linear switch is described as mild and polished. Being mild means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, like the Baby Kangaroo, the Lupine switch has a polished finish, ensuring smooth and frictionless key travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they share some common characteristics. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, albeit with slightly different additional sound descriptors. Moreover, they both have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. Thus, although the Baby Kangaroo and the Lupine might offer distinct experiences, they are likely to provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone who values a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoys a light switch-like tactility along with a distinctive marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and appreciate a consistent weight distribution when pressing down with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile, then the Durock Lupine linear switch would be the ideal option for you. In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky and marbly sound profile with high-pitched and resonant qualities. The Lupine, however, provides a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched characteristic. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo is known for its snappy, bouncy, and polished attributes, while the Lupine offers a mild and polished typing experience. By considering your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel, you can make an informed decision on whether the Gateron Baby Kangaroo or the Durock Lupine is the right mechanical keyboard switch for you. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire.
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