Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Haimu Neo White offer distinct tactile and linear options to suit different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp tactility and unique marbley sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with attributes such as being clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a more neutral and mild typing feel with a slightly reduced total travel distance. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different typing styles and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Haimu Neo White use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material choice enhances the overall typing experience and adds a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing deeper and fuller sound profiles. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique texture to typing on these switches. This choice of material for the bottom housing complements the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a well-rounded sound experience for users.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches impacts the overall typing feel and sound produced. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. By combining polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Haimu Neo White offer a balanced typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has no specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Neo White is lighter at 58 grams compared to the Baby Kangaroo's 67 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Neo White switch would be lighter and potentially better for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. In this case, the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. The difference of 0.2mm may not seem significant, but it could be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo for faster response times, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Neo White for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and resonant, making each keystroke sound crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) providing a more distinct and resonant sound, while the Neo White offers a more moderate and balanced sound profile. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is noted for its snappy and bouncy feedback, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The keys feel polished, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle ground. The Neo White switch offers a smooth actuation with its unique Ly stem design, making each keystroke feel smooth and satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) having a more vibrant and bouncy feel, while the Neo White provides a gentle and smooth typing experience that is pleasing to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a clacky and marbly sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Neo White offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, but users can expect different results based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a crisp and light tactility along with a unique marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if a medium bottom out force and a smooth linear switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a rare Ly stem for a remarkably smooth actuation is more to your liking, then the Neo White could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience as you delve deeper into the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
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