Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch plays a pivotal role in the overall typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Master. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a crisp, light actuation accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile that is both snappy and resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a lively, engaging typing experience while still enjoying a polished feel. In contrast, the Dareu Master is an all-POM linear switch, which provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump—ideal for gamers or those who prefer an uninterrupted flow during typing. Its classic clacky sound signature delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, yet maintains a mild profile that doesn't overpower. Each of these switches caters to different preferences: the Baby Kangaroo appeals to tactile enthusiasts, while the Master appeals to those who value smoothness over tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Master switches are distinguished by their choice of housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can be crisp and clear, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate the audible feedback of their keystrokes. This characteristic is further enhanced by the housing's translucency, which is advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing luminosity to shine through and creating an aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Dareu Master features a POM top housing that yields a deeper, more muted sound profile. The inherent properties of POM lend themselves to a sound that is softer and more resonant, offering a distinctly different auditory experience than what is produced by the Baby Kangaroo.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) employs a nylon bottom housing while the Dareu Master utilizes POM for its bottom housing. The nylon material in the Baby Kangaroo’s construction contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile, absorbing sound effectively and enhancing the overall fullness and resonance of each keystroke. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Dareu Master also generates a muted and unique sound characteristic, aligning it with the auditory preferences of users who favor a subtler, less pronounced typing experience. This creates an interesting dynamic, as both switches appeal to different auditory senses, despite their differing materials.
The overall typing experience and sound result from the interplay between both the top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sonic signatures. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), with its polycarbonate top that favors higher frequencies and a nylon bottom that supports deeper tones, creates a unique balance of crispness and resonance. Meanwhile, the Dareu Master, through its combination of POM materials in both top and bottom housings, maintains a consistent deeper sound profile throughout the keystroke. While users will experience different sound qualities, each switch is designed to cater to particular auditory preferences, and the construction of both aligns with their objectives—whether that be a sharper sound or a more muted one.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the Dareu Master linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces while the bottom out force for the Master is unspecified. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, which is heavier than the 45 grams required for the Dareu Master. This means that typists or gamers who favor a more substantial push feel will likely prefer the Baby Kangaroo for its tactile feedback, while those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might find the 45 grams actuation force of the Master more comfortable. The bottom out force for the Master is unavailable, but the Baby Kangaroo has a bottom out force of 67 grams, further emphasizing its heavier overall feel. In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a heavier typing experience, suitable for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke, whereas the Dareu Master is designed for users seeking a lighter, easier press.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This means that users of either switch will experience a consistent distance from the top to the bottom, providing a comparable tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they offer an equivalent pressing experience in terms of how far the keys need to be pressed to register an action.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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) and the Dareu Master linear switch both offer clacky sound profiles, but with distinct characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) produces a unique combination of sounds described as crisp, bright, and resonant, with a marbly quality that gives it an immersive auditory experience. This switch delivers a sharp, high-pitched sound reminiscent of marble striking marble, creating an engaging and lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Dareu Master focuses on that classic clacky sound, providing a similarly sharp and percussive auditory feedback but without the layered nuances of the marbly quality. Thus, while both switches can produce a delightful sound experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a richer auditory profile compared to the more straightforward clacking of the Dareu Master.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy characteristics, offering users a responsive and lively typing experience. The switch's design includes elements that allow for a spring-like reaction, providing a noticeable rebound that enhances tactile feedback. Additionally, the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel that further amplifies the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch presents a milder typing experience; it is smooth and polished, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Its mild nature reflects a more gentle touch compared to the Baby Kangaroo's dynamic feedback. Consequently, those who prefer a more subdued and versatile feel may gravitate towards the Dareu Master, while users seeking vivid responsiveness may favor the Baby Kangaroo (V2).
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. Sound-wise, if you're looking for a bright, resonant ambiance, the Baby Kangaroo provides that marbly texture, while the Dareu Master's classic clacky nature is more straightforward and familiar. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo boasts a lively, snappy response, ideal for dynamic typing, whereas the Dareu Master is polished yet mild, making it a versatile choice for general usage. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize that rich, tactile snappiness of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth, balanced nature of the Dareu Master.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will be key factors. If you appreciate a tactile feel that's both snappy and bouncy, along with a crisp, marble-like sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent choice, especially if you like a bit of feedback with 67 grams of bottom-out force giving a sense of resilience and engagement with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a lively and responsive feel while creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience with a smoother operation, the Dareu Master switch would be the way to go. Its medium weight and polished finish lend themselves to a gentle yet efficient typing style, coupled with a classic clacky sound signature that provides satisfaction without overwhelming intensity. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you favor tactile responsiveness and resonance, or a smooth, refined typing sensation that prioritizes ease of use.
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