Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Meteor White offer distinct experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp and light switch-like tactility. It also produces a unique marbley sound profile, which can be described as clacky, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch that offers a more subdued and gentle typing experience. It is easy to push and creates a soft pitter-patter sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, this switch guarantees both a smooth typing experience and a subtle sound. Both switches have their advantages, and the final choice will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Meteor White have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor White has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Similarly, the Nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the sound profile but with slight differences. The Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Likewise, the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing creates a similar deeper and fuller sound profile.
Despite their differences, both switches share the qualities of their respective housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Moreover, the polycarbonate top housing in the Baby Kangaroo and the nylon top housing in the Meteor White both impact the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the sharp, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique auditory experiences.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Meteor White greatly influence their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, both switches share the qualities of their nylon bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer a clearer and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches provide distinct audio experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the Meteor White's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force listed, with the Baby Kangaroo having a heavier force of 67 grams, and the Meteor White having a lighter force of 57 grams. Despite the disparity in actuation force, it is safe to assume that the Meteor White may provide a lighter typing experience overall.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch might find the Meteor White to be more appealing, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work settings or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Baby Kangaroo, with its heavier bottom out force.
It is important to note that the actuation force for the Meteor White is not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison with the Baby Kangaroo. However, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo falls within a medium-heavy range in terms of actuation force, while the Meteor White falls into a medium-light range for the bottom out force. While it is difficult to draw a conclusive comparison between the two switches, those looking for a lighter experience may find satisfaction with the Meteor White, unless the actuation force is significantly higher than the Baby Kangaroo.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of 4 mm for the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Meteor White is more traditional, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times, as it allows for quicker activation of keys. However, some people may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility, resulting in a pleasing marbley sound profile. It produces a clacky and marbly sound, characterized by sharp, snappy, and resonant qualities. This high-pitched and clean sound profile provides a satisfying auditory experience for users who prefer a brighter and more percussive sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a more subdued sound profile. It is described as having a gentle, pitter-patter sound, giving it a soft and neutral characteristic. While the exact sound of the Meteor White is not specified, it can be assumed to be moderate, suitable for a variety of purposes. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a distinct clacky and marbly sound, while the Meteor White switch provides a gentle and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is said to have a snappy and bouncy feel. The snappiness of the switch can be attributed to the use of longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the responsiveness and liveliness of the typing experience. The bounciness of the keys provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving users a rebound when they press the keys. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in the safe middle-ground zone. The exact characteristics of its feel are not specified, but it can be assumed to be approachable and comfortable for most users. Like the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Meteor White switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and sleek typing experience. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, while the Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch and the SP-Star Meteor White switch have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, which is sharp, resonant, high-pitched, and clean. It gives a crisp and bright sound that can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. In terms of feel, it provides a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience, with enhanced responsiveness, spring-like feedback, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has a subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a gentle and pitter-patter sound. Its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a safe and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If a user prefers a brighter and more percussive sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a suitable choice. However, if a user prefers a more gentle and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, the Meteor White switch would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience, then the Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice for you. It offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and produces a unique marbly sound profile when pressed. Additionally, if you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo would be a good fit.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile, then the Meteor White linear switch might be more suitable for you. This switch is easy to push and offers a gentle typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile and can be described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Baby Kangaroo is known for its snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The Meteor White, on the other hand, offers a mild and approachable feel, suitable for most typists.
Overall, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo and the Meteor White ultimately comes down to your personal preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your preferences in these areas, and you will be able to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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