Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cream Blue present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbly sound profile, offering a satisfying blend of feedback and resonance that many typists and gamers find appealing. This tactile experience can enhance productivity and enjoyment during long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the Outemu Cream Blue lacks a specific promotional background, it is categorized under clicky switches, generally known for their pronounced audible click and tactile feedback at the actuation point, making them ideal for those who appreciate auditory confirmation with each keystroke. Each switch caters to varying tastes—whether you desire a smoother, quieter typing experience or a lively, clicky interaction. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Cream Blue are two keyboard switches that showcase distinct characteristics driven by their differing housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This rigidity allows for a more pronounced sound resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a clear auditory feedback when engaging with their keyboard. Additionally, polycarbonate's clear nature enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a visually striking choice for gamers and enthusiasts who desire illuminated keys.
In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a softer and rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound more effectively compared to the harder polycarbonate, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This acoustic quality, paired with the classic reputation of nylon as a switch housing material, offers users a satisfying typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. As such, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is designed to deliver a snappy feel with a bright sound, the Cream Blue is aimed at those who favor a more subdued and fuller typist experience.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, giving them a common auditory foundation. This similarity means that when pressing down on either switch, the bottom-out feel and sound will be influenced by the nylon material, which tends to absorb sound and create a deeper overall sensation. However, the differences in their top housings provide distinct character to each switch's sound profile when releasing the key. Overall, those who appreciate the Baby Kangaroo (V2) will appreciate the articulate and crisp feedback, while fans of the Outemu Cream Blue will likely enjoy the warmth and depth characteristic of the nylon housing. Together, these switches exemplify how the combination of material choices in both the top and bottom housings can craft unique and diverse typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Cream Blue's lighter 50 grams. This means that users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Cream Blue more comfortable, while those who prefer a firmer feel will appreciate the Baby Kangaroo's increased resistance. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo bottoms out at 67 grams, slightly heavier than the Cream Blue, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a firmer typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Cream Blue provides a lighter feel that could benefit longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch differ in their travel distances, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) featuring a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a shorter key travel experience compared to the Cream Blue. For users who prioritize responsiveness, especially gamers, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Cream Blue, given its longer travel distance, which can offer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance 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 Outemu Cream Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch presents a captivating auditory experience characterized by its clacky, marbly, and high-pitched qualities. When typing, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that resonates with each key press, reminiscent of billiard balls colliding or tapping on a polished marble surface. This creates an immersive and vibrant sound profile that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch does not have any specific sound characteristics described, making it difficult to provide a comparative auditory experience.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its snappy, bouncy, and polished response. Typing on these switches feels genuinely alive and responsive, largely due to the inclusion of longer or dual-staged springs that contribute to the spring-like feedback. The smoothness of the switch adds a layer of sophistication, with reduced friction that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Blue's tactile qualities remain unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison regarding their feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience, pairing a crisp, clean sound with a responsive, lively feel that is appealing to typists. Meanwhile, the lack of defined sound and feel characteristics for the Outemu Cream Blue prevents a thorough comparison, making it challenging to ascertain how it might rival or complement the Baby Kangaroo. Therefore, if you seek an engaging keyboard experience highlighted by sound and feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be a more predictable choice over the less-defined attributes of the Cream Blue.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch largely depends on your preferences for sound and typing experience. If you enjoy a snappy, polished typing feel with a noticeable tactile bump, along with an engaging, clacky, and marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent choice. It's especially suited for those who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory richness while typing, making it ideal for general productivity or mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a lively feel. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to classic clicky sounds for a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue switch may be more aligned with your needs, even if it lacks some of the distinctiveness of the Baby Kangaroo. You might opt for the Cream Blue if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and enjoy that traditional clicky feedback, which can be satisfying for typing or gaming but may lack the refined qualities found in the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best for your typing style and the kind of auditory experience you desire.
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