Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering these Baby Kangaroo switches, a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Known for their crisp and light switch-like tactility, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switches also offer a unique marbley sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to your keyboard's audio. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished', these switches are perfect for those who prefer a tactile feel and enjoy the distinct sound they produce. On the other hand, the KTT Orange Switches boast a different set of features. With a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a bouncy typing experience that some users find enjoyable. Their polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing contribute to a sleek and frictionless typing experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched', the KTT Orange Switches are ideal for individuals seeking a smooth and quiet keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Orange switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice provides a similar sound profile for both switches, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a clearer and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switches. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with excellent sound quality and the option for customizable lighting, both the Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Orange would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a unique characteristic. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. Consequently, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, aligning with the overall sound profile of the switch. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing may be more suitable for your preferences.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play separate roles. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each component can have a notable effect on the overall typing experience. While both the Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Orange have similar polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and clear sound, the difference in their bottom housing materials provides distinct sound characteristics. Consider your preferred sound profile and typing preferences when choosing between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences due to their weight variances. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is relatively heavier at 59 grams, while the Orange requires a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is heavier at 67 grams, whereas the Orange has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. These differences in weight ultimately result in distinct typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Orange switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Baby Kangaroo switch more suitable, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel. Overall, the contrasting weights of these switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the option that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that there is a minimal difference between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the distinction between the two may seem insignificant, it can still affect the user experience. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo may be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for quicker key presses. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Orange switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and whether one values a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 tactile switch is known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a marbly sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp, snappy sound, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. It also has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. These switches offer a mellow and bass-heavy tone, providing a more relaxed and soothing sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer a bouncy sensation. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and provides a more alive typing experience. It also has a polished finish due to either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Orange switch is considered frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Its factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have some distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, which can provide a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Its snappy and polished feel ensures responsive and sleek typing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, giving a relaxed and soothing tone. Its bouncy and frictionless feel provides a spring-like feedback with smooth and effortless key travel. Overall, while these switches have different sound and feel characteristics, both can deliver satisfying results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched. Their snappy feel and polished finish contribute to a responsive and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches are the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy type feel, these switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. Their excellent factory-lubing ensures smooth key travel, while the combination of a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing adds to their unique aesthetics.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Orange switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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