Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts - the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Cherry MX Black. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a unique tactility with a crisp, light feel and a delightful marbly sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Black switch from Cherry showcases the brand's expertise in delivering a smooth typing experience with a classic textured feel and a deep sound profile. While the Baby Kangaroo is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and bouncy characteristics, the MX Black offers a low-pitched, textured, and stiff experience. Both switches have their own merits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Cherry MX Black switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate also contributes to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound profile. While the materials used in the top housings differ, both switches offer unique sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Baby Kangaroo and MX Black switches utilize nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a muffled and rounder sound profile. It is worth noting that the properties of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, regardless of the brand, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
In terms of overall sound performance, the differences between the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Cherry MX Black switches diversify the sound profiles of each switch. While the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to a muffled and round sound. It is important to consider the impact of each housing material when choosing a switch, as the top housing affects the sound upon key release, and the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is slightly lighter at 59 grams, compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, while the MX Black requires a heavier force of 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo may be a suitable choice, as its actuation force is slightly lighter than the MX Black. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who plan on typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and forceful typing experience is desired, the MX Black with its heavier bottom out force may be preferred.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Cherry MX Black, while the MX Black provides a heavier bottom out force. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when selecting between these switches. Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier force, both switches provide options that cater to individual preferences and can deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it can be observed that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance for switches, while 3.4 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if a more responsive typing or gaming experience is desired, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In such cases, the Cherry MX Black with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming requirements of the individual.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and percussive quality. Additionally, it has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a crisp and bright sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a good choice, while the Cherry MX Black switch offers a deeper and mellower sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. It has a super responsive feel, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience by making it feel more alive. The switch also provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish that results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured feel. Some users prefer this noticeable friction, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Moreover, the MX Black switch has a stiffer actuation force, requiring a higher amount of force compared to other switches. If you prefer a switch with a lively and bouncy feel and smooth key travel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a textured feel and a stiffer typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch stands out for its crisp and bright sound profile, providing a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant auditory experience. It also offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, with a super responsive typing experience and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It has a textured feel and requires a higher amount of force to actuate. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a lively and bouncy feel, along with a crisp and bright sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be an excellent option. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and mellower sound, a textured feel, and a stiffer typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is the right choice for you. These switches offer a clacky and marbly sound, which can be described as sharp, snappy, and resonant. Additionally, they provide a snappy and bouncy feel, with super responsive and spring-like feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the better option. These switches give a deep sound profile with a low-pitched tone. They have a textured feel, which may provide noticeable friction when pressed, and they require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. Consider your sound and feel preferences when choosing between these two switches, and you'll find the keyboard switch that suits you best.
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