Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering these two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Oil King. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility. When using it, you can expect a marbley sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King is a linear switch that offers buttery smoothness while typing. Its sound profile is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a satisfying auditory experience. While the Baby Kangaroo is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and bouncy characteristics, the Oil King is recognized for its low-pitched, creamy, and silky attributes. Both switches boast a polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed choice on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Baby Kangaroo and Oil King switches differ in terms of their housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing. These materials create distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound output. Alternatively, the nylon top housing of the Oil King generates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a rounder and duller sound profile. However, both switches with their respective housing materials are compatible with RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches have different materials again. The Baby Kangaroo employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Nylon, the classic switch housing material used in the Baby Kangaroo, creates a deeper and fuller sound upon typing. Its softer plastic properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the INK blend of the Oil King contributes to a pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky sound. While the two materials differ, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In terms of sound production, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combine to produce a clear, resonant sound on key release and a deeper, fuller sound on bottom-out. Similarly, the Oil King's nylon top housing and proprietary INK blend bottom housing contribute to a comparatively sharper sound when releasing a key and a clacky bottom-out sound. Despite these variations, both switches share the characteristic of delivering a satisfying sound experience, albeit with different tonal profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar weight characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be classified as medium-heavy. Similarly, the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering the weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for comfortable and effortless keystrokes. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who require a keyboard for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, a switch with a heavier force might be more suitable. A heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel, adding a sense of satisfaction and responsiveness to each keystroke.
In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly higher force of 59 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. This slight difference may result in a discernible variance in the typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo requiring slightly more force for triggering a keystroke. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo has a higher force of 67 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams.
Overall, both switches offer a similar weight profile, classifying as medium-heavy switches. Therefore, individuals seeking a switch with a tactile experience and a substantial typing feel can achieve comparable results with either the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences regarding actuation force and bottom out force nuances.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it becomes evident that they have different distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo.
4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance for switches, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes to be registered.
However, it is worth noting that the shorter travel distance might feel too abrupt for some users who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys. In such cases, the Oil King with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option, providing a more substantial feel during keypresses.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch differ in their travel distances, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences. If a faster response time is desired, the Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on keys, the Oil King's longer travel distance would be a better fit.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 tactile switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and percussive feel to each key press. The marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The low-pitched sound is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches have distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on your preference, but the Baby Kangaroo is more clacky and high-pitched, while the Oil King is more low-pitched and bassy.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy feel of the switch makes it super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels alive. The bouncy nature of the keys gives a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing rebound when pressed. The polished finish of the switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and offering a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and also polished. The creamy feel is smooth and buttery, offering a typing experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The silky switch enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The buttery nature of the switch provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, but the Baby Kangaroo has a snappier and bouncier feel, while the Oil King has a creamier and silkier feel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These switches have different sound and feel characteristics that can cater to different preferences. If you prefer a sharp and bright sound with a snappy and spring-like feel, the Baby Kangaroo is a suitable choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Oil King is a great option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be an excellent choice. You can expect a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, with a polished finish for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Oil King is a top contender. This switch provides buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy and silky typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and effortless keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a light switch-like tactility and resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Oil King is the better option.
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