Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are delighted to introduce you to two unique mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Mint. The Baby Kangaroo switch stands out for its crisp and light tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience with a distinct marbled sound profile. Categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, this switch offers a unique combination of attributes. On the other hand, the Mint switch captivates users with its exceptionally smooth linear action. The long pole stem of the Mint switch contributes to a delightful poppy thockiness when typing, paired with a light and fleeting feel. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Mint switch offers a contrasting experience to the Baby Kangaroo. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Mint, both featuring polycarbonate top housings, share similar characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the effective utilization of RGB lighting. Therefore, users of both the Baby Kangaroo and the Mint can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material, while the KTT Mint also incorporates nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The ability of nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience. Thus, users of both switches can expect a similar sound profile when pressing down on keys, as both nylon bottom housings offer a similar acoustic effect.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings' distinct materials contribute to specific aspects of the switch's overall performance. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, become noticeable. Conversely, the top housing's role becomes prominent when releasing a key, influencing the sound produced. As such, despite the shared characteristics of their respective top and bottom housings, each switch may offer slight differences in the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Mint demonstrate similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate's stiffness and translucency for enhanced aesthetics and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their nylon bottom housings differ slightly, with both eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile but potentially offering slight variations in sound characteristics. Ultimately, users of these switches can anticipate comparable results but may experience subtle distinctions in the typing experience based on the specific housing materials utilized.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch.
The weight of the switches is worth considering as it directly impacts the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing sensation, the Mint switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force for actuation and bottoming out. This feature is beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it helps to reduce fatigue and strain on the fingers.
However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be an ideal choice. The higher force required to trigger a keystroke provides a stronger push feel, giving a satisfying feedback to the typist.
In conclusion, while the Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who desire a more robust typing experience, the Mint linear switch offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer and more comfortable typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's preference for typing sensation and the specific requirements of their usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mint switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered to be the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent recently, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. For those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance can provide a satisfying experience.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Mint linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. The marbly sound, on the other hand, is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. This switch delivers a distinct, higher-pitched sound that can be appreciated by those who prefer a sharper tone. On the contrary, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The snappy characteristic makes these switches highly responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that contribute to a livelier typing experience. The bouncy feel of this switch offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, potentially enhanced by factory lubing or high-quality materials. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is labeled as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making the sound and feel approachable to most users. Similarly to the Baby Kangaroo, the Mint switch also possesses a polished characteristic, ensuring a smooth and refined finish, fewer friction points, and smoother key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch exhibit different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky and marbly sound profile with a crisp, bright, and higher-pitched tone, while the Mint switch provides a low-pitched sound that leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, with a polished finish ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Mint switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience with a polished finish as well. Depending on personal preferences and desired qualities, either switch can deliver a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. You can expect a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy feel, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Mint would be more suitable. This switch provides a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness when typing, and it has a light and fleeting type feel. The Mint has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, and its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Mint depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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