Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch with a unique tactile feel and sound profile, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a crisp, light tactility that provides a satisfying typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a 'clacky' and 'bouncy' feel. On the other hand, the Silver switch lacks a distinct feature but offers a straightforward linear feel that is preferred by users who prefer a consistent and smooth 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
45g
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
The key difference between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silver lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, making it ideal for creating clear and resonant sound profiles. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches equipped with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silver differ in their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silver share similar qualities in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the passage of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users interested in customizing their switches. However, when considering the overall typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in influencing the sound and feel of the switch, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) boasts a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a slightly different sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with nylon providing a softer and more absorbing typing experience compared to polycarbonate.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which requires 45 grams of force. Both switches, however, have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams for the Baby Kangaroo and 65 grams for the Silver. The Baby Kangaroo provides a medium-heavy typing experience, with a noticeable actuation force and bottom out force, while the Silver offers a lighter actuation force but still maintains a medium-heavy bottom out force. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Baby Kangaroo being better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Silver may be preferred by those who like a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, considering the weight of actuation and bottom out force is crucial when selecting a switch that aligns with individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Silver's 4 mm travel distance. The Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, especially gamers who require quick reflexes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing options for a variety of typing or gaming experiences.
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 Silver 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) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, producing sharp, bright, and resonant tones when pressed. On the other hand, there is no specific sound description available for the Outemu Silver linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, with a responsive and lively feedback when pressed. Additionally, it is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a clacky and marbly sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch would be a suitable option for you. However, for users who are looking for a linear switch with specific sound and feel characteristics, further information may be needed to make a direct comparison with the Outemu Silver switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of typing experience depending on individual preferences and factors such as keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a tactile switch with a crisp, light tactility along with a marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and do not have a specific preference for sound or typing feel, the Outemu Silver may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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