Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Olive are both tactile switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactility and marbley sound profile, providing a clacky, resonant, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out with its all-POM housings that create a deep, resonant sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out sensation. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a bouncy and high-pitched feel, the Bsun Olive is described as accented and sharp. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Olive, one key difference is in the top housings. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Olive features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is likely to produce a more noticeable and distinct sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) uses a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Bsun Olive features a POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing, in creating a pleasing and unique deep sound that is relatively more muted. Both switches offer differing sound experiences due to the materials used in their bottom housings, allowing for a variety of preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Olive, both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may offer a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Olive's POM top housing brings a deeper and more muted sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a fuller sound experience, while the POM bottom housing of the Olive adds to its unique sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, which requires 45 grams of force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams for the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and 65 grams for the Olive. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bsun Olive might be the better option as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be a better choice with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be said that they offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or the Olive, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the feel of the switch. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience for users.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its light and crisp clacky sound profile, with a unique marbley resonance that adds a bright and percussive quality to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a deep and resonant sound that sets it apart, with a sharp bottom-out and pronounced tactile feedback for a distinct auditory experience. The Olive switch may offer a richer and more bassy sound compared to the higher-pitched and cleaner sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo switch. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined key travel that reduces friction for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a moderate to firm actuation force that creates an immersive typing sensation. The Olive switch is accentuated with a prominent amount of tactility, providing a satisfying keypress that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Bsun Olive tactile switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp and light tactility with a marbly sound profile, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a deep and resonant typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound pitch, tactile intensity, and keypress feel, both switches offer satisfying options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, exploring and trying out different switches will help you find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, you should first think about your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and marbly sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant and high-pitched sound, combined with an accented and sharp feel, the Bsun Olive switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and which characteristics align best with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
