Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to introduce two popular mechanical keyboard switches: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Cherry MX Brown. Both switches are tactile switches, designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp and light tactility, offering a unique marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, delivering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While these general descriptions give us a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 the Cherry MX Brown switches have distinct differences that impact their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material on the sound and feel is similar for both switches, as it elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile.
The choice of housing material significantly affects the sound produced by the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Baby Kangaroo's top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Baby Kangaroo or the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Brown. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different audio preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing stands out with its translucent appearance, making it an excellent choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the MX Brown's nylon housing provides a classic look that may appeal to individuals who prefer a more traditional and timeless design. However, in terms of functionality and overall feel, the bottom housing material has more influence. As both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, they are likely to offer similar typing experiences, eliciting deeper and fuller sound profiles that are characteristic of nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, while the MX Brown requires a lighter force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be the more suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch, as it offers a heavier actuation force and bottom out force.
Despite these differences, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if one is looking to achieve similar results, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Cherry MX Brown switches will depend on personal preference for keyboard weight and typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. In general, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.4 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Baby Kangaroo a popular choice in gaming keyboards. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the MX Brown with its longer travel distance might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Cherry MX Brown 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 offers a unique and distinct experience. These switches have a clacky and marbly sound profile, producing sharp, crisp, and resonant audio feedback when pressed. They have a high-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and subdued audio feedback. It has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The choice of board and keycaps can also affect the sound of the switches. Overall, if you prefer a more vibrant and high-pitched sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great option, while the MX Brown switch is better suited for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. These switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. The keys have a lively feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, offering a slightly scratchy feel. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. If you value a snappy and bouncy feel with smooth key travel, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice, whereas the MX Brown switch offers a textured typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch and the Cherry MX Brown switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a vibrant and high-pitched sound with a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. It offers a more immersive auditory experience and a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a quieter and more subdued audio feedback with a textured feel. It provides a relatively lighter typing experience with gentle tactility. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that suits your desired sound and feel. If you prefer a more vibrant and responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with a slight texture, the MX Brown switch would be a suitable option. However, it's worth noting that the overall experience can be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo may be the better option for you. It provides a snappy and bouncy feel, making the typing experience feel more alive. The Baby Kangaroo also has a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can be appealing if you prefer a sharper and more immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, then the Cherry MX Brown may be the more suitable choice. The MX Brown offers a relatively light typing experience with a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. It has a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
In summary, the Baby Kangaroo switch is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a crisp tactility, bouncy feel, and higher-pitched, resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is perfect for individuals who prefer a medium-light switch with a gentle tactility, textured feel, and bassy sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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