Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the selection often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options—Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Cherry MX Purple RGB—illustrate this diversity beautifully. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its crisp and light tactility paired with a unique marbley sound profile; it delivers a clacky, bouncy feel that many users find both engaging and satisfying during typing and gaming sessions. Notably, this switch embodies a resonant quality that can enhance the overall auditory experience of your keyboard, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a lively sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts. This switch provides a solid yet subtle feedback that is favored by users seeking precision and consistency, particularly during long typing sessions or competitive gaming. While each switch has its unique appeal—be it the playful sound of the Baby Kangaroo or the more understated feel of the MX Purple RGB—it's essential to look beyond these generalities. Let's dive in a bit deeper so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a significant distinction arises in their top housing composition. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This property of polycarbonate not only makes it conducive to RGB lighting visibility—enhancing aesthetic appeal—but also contributes to a more resonant sound when a key is released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer material, produces a duller, fuller sound as it absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience when compared to the crisper output of the polycarbonate casing in the Baby Kangaroo.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches share a similarity, as they are made of nylon. This commonality means that their performance in terms of sound and feel upon keypress will be more alike. The nylon material in both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a deeper, rounder sound profile, due to its softer nature that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This similarity in bottom housing reinforces the notion that both switches will evoke similar sound qualities when keys are fully pressed down, despite the distinct differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings results in a nuanced sound profile that reflects the characteristics of both materials. Users will experience the sharper, more resonant sound of the polycarbonate top when releasing a key on the Baby Kangaroo (V2), while simultaneously benefiting from the deep and full tone provided by the nylon bottom. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB melds the dampening effect of nylon on both ends, creating a consistently rounder audio profile. Thus, while the Baby Kangaroo V2 maximizes the contrast between bright and full sounds, the MX Purple RGB creates a more uniform auditory experience, highlighting the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound qualities in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB requires only 45 grams to actuate, classifying it as the lighter switch. This lighter actuation can be beneficial for users who prefer reduced finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, preventing a direct comparison on this aspect. For users seeking a more tactile and heavier typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the better choice, while those favoring a lighter actuation may prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Overall, these differences highlight how each switch caters to varying preferences in typing feel and user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) can provide a quicker response time, which may be advantageous for gamers seeking a more responsive experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more substantial travel distance, catering to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when typing. Thus, for those valuing speed, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the longer one, appealing to preferences for a more pronounced keypress.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 (V2) tactile switch features a unique blend of characteristics that create an engaging auditory experience. It produces a clacky and marbly sound profile, characterized by a crisp, bright resonance that can be likened to the collision of billiard balls or the sharpness of tapping on marble. This combination yields a crisp and percussive effect that can enhance the enjoyment of typing for those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have specific sound qualities detailed, but since it is a tactile switch, you can reasonably expect a similar snappy sound that often accompanies tactile switches, albeit the exact profile remains largely unspecified.
Regarding the feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy nature. These switches respond with a lively, elastic feedback that makes every keystroke feel engaging and energetic. The polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, minimizing friction and enhancing fluidity during use. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB likewise offers a refined tactile experience, focusing on delivering a short, medium-strength bump. This means that while both switches provide a tactile sensation, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may feel more dynamic and responsive due to its bounciness and snappy design, whereas the MX Purple may provide a more straightforward and consistent tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its distinctive clacky and marbly sound profile alongside a bouncy and snappy typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively auditory and tactile response. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile bump and is generally known for its responsiveness as well. Users seeking a combination of the two will find that while the experiences may differ slightly, both switches are designed to deliver enjoyable and engaging typing sensations, reinforcing their reputations within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that offers a snappy and polished tactile feel, alongside a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent fit. This switch is designed to deliver an engaging and vibrant typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate audible feedback and a lively key response. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a more refined tactile experience with a shorter bump characteristic, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be the better choice for you. Although its specific weight is not detailed, Cherry MX switches are generally known for their reliability and uniform feel. Ultimately, consider what aspects—sound, tactile feedback, and key travel force—you value most in your typing experience, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
