Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to present the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Matcha, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique tactile experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a delightful marbley sound profile. With characteristics such as being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, this switch provides an exhilarating typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts due to its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on the Matcha switch guarantees a distinctively clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. Categorized as stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle, this switch offers a sublime typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Matcha switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with similar sound characteristics and plan to use RGB lighting, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Matcha would provide satisfying results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo employs nylon, while the Matcha uses polycarbonate. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, due to its stiffness, creates a sharper and crisper sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the characteristics of the bottom housing. So, if you prioritize the sound and feel when pressing down a key, the Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing may be more suitable for you.
In summary, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Matcha switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile, especially suited for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha maintains the sharper and crisper sound associated with the material. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the Matcha requires a lighter touch with an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Matcha switch is more sensitive and requires less force to register a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Matcha's 45 grams. This indicates that the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions without causing as much fatigue. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo switch is the heavier option, while the Matcha switch is the lighter one, providing different options for users depending on their preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Matcha has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance than the Baby Kangaroo. In terms of preferences, shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers who want faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or 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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 switch offers a unique experience. Many users describe it as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound profile of these switches can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a marbly sound profile, meaning it is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This switch can be compared to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is also described as clacky. However, there is less information available about its sound profile. It is safe to assume that the Matcha switch will provide a similar clacky sound to the Baby Kangaroo, but without the marbly resonance.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is often praised for its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback. These switches are super responsive, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to an overall pleasant feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch offers a stepped tactile feel. This means that it has two stages of feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Matcha switch is also described as snappy, providing a responsive typing experience. While the Matcha switch does not offer the same polished feel, it is safe to assume that it will provide a pleasant and accented tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Matcha switches have some notable differences in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo offers a unique marbly sound profile, which provides a resonant and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as clacky but lacks the marbly resonance. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. The Matcha switch, on the other hand, provides a stepped and snappy tactile feel. While the Matcha switch may not possess the same polished feel as the Baby Kangaroo, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch, you should opt for this option if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. It offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a marbley sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be a suitable choice. It offers a comfortable, snappy tactility and a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. The Matcha switch is described as clacky in terms of sound.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a clean sound profile, the Matcha switch would be a better option for you.
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