Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp and light tactile feel, accompanied by a distinct marbley sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clacky and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience that is perfect for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings. While the Baby Kangaroo switch excels in providing a bouncy and polished typing feel, the Mountain Top switch stands out for its easy-to-press and mild actuation. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon's softness allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing on both switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent when bottoming out a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite the difference in top housing material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Mountain Top.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Mountain Top will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, users can tailor their switch choice based on their preferred sound profile and typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in weight. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for users who value longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide unique benefits to different types of users, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) catering to those who prefer a heavier feel and the Mountain Top appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, they have the same tactile feel and smoothness during keypresses, providing a similar typing experience overall. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or the Mountain Top switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of travel distance and typing feel. So, in this case, both switches offer the same travel distance and 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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound accompanied by a resonant, high-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments due to its moderate actuation force requirement. If you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be the preferred choice, while the Mountain Top switch caters to those looking for a quieter and more subdued typing experience, especially in professional settings.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is highlighted by its snappy and bouncy characteristics, offering a responsive and lively typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch focuses on a bouncy feel combined with an easy-to-press actuation, providing a low-impact and effortless typing experience. The mild and subtle qualities of the Mountain Top switch make it ideal for extended typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp and resonant sound profile along with a snappy and bouncy typing feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter sound profile with a more subdued and easy-to-press typing experience, the Mountain Top switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light tactility along with a unique marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, designed specifically for office environments to provide a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, then the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the more suitable option. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments.
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