Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you'll find two standout options in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp, light tactile experience with a unique marbley sound profile. Known for being clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a snappy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a linear switch experience without the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper feel while typing. With its polished, creamy, and frictionless attributes, this switch maintains the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love from the North Pole lineup. Both switches have their own distinct advantages, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both use polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when typing or releasing the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting results from both the Baby Kangaroo and the New North Pole V2 when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing material. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Baby Kangaroo will differ from that of the New North Pole V2.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron New North Pole V2 employ polycarbonate for their top housing, thus offering similar sound and lighting results, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 maintains the overall sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness found in its top housing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few notable differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams. Here, the Baby Kangaroo is heavier in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 would be the better choice, as it requires less force to trigger each keystroke. This can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, where a stronger push feel is desired, the Baby Kangaroo would be a better option. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, giving typists a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke.
It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar typing experience in terms of force, they can expect similar results with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the New North Pole V2 boasts a longer travel distance of 4mm. In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are gaining popularity among gamers as they provide faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo would be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with a greater depth. In this case, the New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile. When using these switches, users can expect a sharp and snappy sound akin to a clacky switch, as well as a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. The typing experience with the Baby Kangaroo switches is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation. The keys have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch no longer features a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. It retains its hallmark feature of a frictionless typing feel, offering a seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. However, specific information about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is unknown. In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, making for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the New North Pole V2 switches are also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo switches offer a bounce and elasticity that make the typing experience feel more alive. Overall, both switches offer desirable qualities, but with different subjective experiences. If you prefer a light, tactile switch with a marbley sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a linear switch with a crisper typing experience and a creamy, polished feel, the New North Pole V2 switches would be a great option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. These switches are known for their crisp, light tactility and produce a distinctive marbley sound profile. They are also described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound. In terms of feel, they are described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would suit your needs. These switches are known for their removal of the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience while still retaining a frictionless typing feel. They are described as polished, creamy, and frictionless in terms of feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, there is no specific description provided for their sound profile.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above and select the one that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
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