Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their own unique features. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile, providing a clacky, high-pitched, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade is recognized for its quiet operation and satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and bouncy feel, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those seeking a silent and tactile typing experience. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) also features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which is expected to contribute to a similar deep and full sound experience as the bottom housing.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which not only influences the sound profile to be sharper and more resonant but also allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound to create a rounder tone. While both switches offer unique acoustic qualities based on their top housing materials, they may appeal to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that creates a deep and full sound experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) distinguishes itself with a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade opts for a nylon top housing, resulting in a more subdued and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer the clarity of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Yellow Jade is lighter in both categories. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Baby Kangaroo at 67 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade at 65 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is heavier, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out is quite similar between the two switches. People who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a slightly heavier touch may opt for the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, making them ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. However, the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Despite this difference, both switches will provide a similar level of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is preferred for optimal typing or gaming 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 often praised for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for offering a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, although specific descriptors for this sound profile are not provided. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) providing a bright and percussive sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade offering a quieter and potentially more muffled sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive and lively typing experience with smooth key travel. The switch's dual-staged springs contribute to its snappy and responsive feel, while the bouncy sensation and polished finish enhance the overall typing comfort. Conversely, specific descriptors for the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch are not provided. Despite this, both switches offer tactile feedback that can cater to different typing preferences, with the Gateron switch promising a more tactile and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that can appeal to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is characterized by its clacky and marbly sound profile, as well as its snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quieter typing experience with an unspecified tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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