Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is renowned for its crisp and light tactile feel, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. Known for being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are designed to provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes them perfect for users who prefer a silent but gratifying switch option. 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
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches are likely to have a clear housing if they feature polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. The main difference lies in the nylon bottom housings, where the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Outemu Silent Grey also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Silent Grey aims for a quieter typing experience by also utilizing nylon for sound absorption. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities each housing material brings, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate for a sharper sound or the softer nylon for a quieter typing experience, each switch offers a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Grey focuses on sound absorption for a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the qualities each housing material brings, providing users with a variety of options based on their preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65-67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. The Baby Kangaroo switch would provide a slightly stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Grey switch would be lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can give a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer different benefits based on their travel distances, with the Baby Kangaroo being more suitable for those looking for a quicker touch and the Silent Grey catering to those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Outemu Silent Grey 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
The Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch offers a unique typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile that provides a sharp and resonant auditory feedback. This switch is also known for its snappy and bouncy feel, giving users a responsive and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed for a quieter typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying and silent.
While the sound and feel characteristics of these switches differ, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide tactile feedback that many users prefer. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. If you enjoy a crisp and snappy sound with responsive feedback, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch may be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switch could be the better option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a satisfying tactile typing experience that will enhance your overall keyboarding enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider the specific qualities of each switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a unique marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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