Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a tactile experience with a light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, while the Outemu Cold Plum provides a smooth linear keystroke with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. The Baby Kangaroo is described as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished', while the Cold Plum doesn't have specific categorizations listed. If you're looking for a switch with a unique feel and sound, the Baby Kangaroo may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a distinct thocky sound, the Cold Plum could be more to your liking. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cold Plum lies in their top housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a more distinct and resonant sound, the Cold Plum provides a softer and more absorbing sound experience.
Both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cold Plum share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing's softer nature allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
When comparing the overall sound profile of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cold Plum, the differences between their top housing materials become more apparent. The polycarbonate top housing of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) generates a sharper, clearer sound with a higher pitch, while the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum creates a deeper, fuller sound. These contrasting sound profiles highlight how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offering a more crisp and resonant sound compared to the Cold Plum's softer and more absorbing sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is 67 grams and the Cold Plum is 70 grams. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the Cold Plum offering a slightly heavier push feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Cold Plum may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, which makes them suitable for users looking for quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for enhanced speed and agility during gameplay. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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, bright, and percussive, resembling the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not described in the provided information, so it may provide a different sound experience. Both switches will deliver a unique auditory experience based on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch offers a snappy and bouncy sensation, characterized by a super responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for sleek key travel with reduced friction. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not specified; however, it is likely to offer a different tactile experience due to the lack of tactility in linear switches. Regardless, both switches are likely to provide a distinct and enjoyable typing feel tailored to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a clacky and marbly sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy typing sensation, while the Cold Plum switch may offer a different sound and feel experience. Both switches cater to enthusiast preferences, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to deliver a distinct and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your personal typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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