Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to present two unique mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Outemu Phoenix. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch known for its crisp and light tactility, accompanied by a delightful marbley sound profile. It has a range of characteristics such as being clacky, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out as a clicky switch with its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most distinctive switches available today. It offers a crystalline and sparkling feel, creating a satisfying crunch with its clicky sound. While these general descriptions may help you lean towards one switch or the other, let's delve deeper to reveal more insights and guide you in choosing the switch that perfectly suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Outemu Phoenix switches share many similarities. 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, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant and visually appealing display. Therefore, users of both the Baby Kangaroo and the Phoenix can expect similar sound and lighting experiences.
Where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Phoenix utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This uniformity in the choice of materials contributes to a consistent sound profile throughout the entire switch. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phoenix, just like the top housing, enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housings in these switches contribute differently to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the user will primarily feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and the Phoenix may have similar top housing materials, the choice of bottom housing material will determine the characteristics of the switch's bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown. However, both switches can be considered medium in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams of force to fully press down on the switch, making it slightly heavier than the Phoenix, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo due to its heavier bottom out force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Baby Kangaroo to be more suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a heavier key press may find the Phoenix to be a better option in terms of force required.
In summary, while the actuation force is similar between the two switches, with the Baby Kangaroo being slightly heavier, the bottom out force of the Phoenix is lighter compared to the Baby Kangaroo. These differences in force may appeal to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have very similar travel distances, with the Baby Kangaroo at 3.4 mm and the Phoenix at 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular recently, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, either of these switches would provide a satisfactory experience. However, if you enjoy a deeper key press and find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, you may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. The marbly characteristic adds a resonant and high-pitched element to the sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, but the Baby Kangaroo provides a greater variety of qualities.
In terms of feel, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Phoenix switches are described as polished. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished characteristic contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel of the switches. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo is also described as snappy and bouncy. The snappy characteristic indicates a high level of responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. This makes the typing experience feel more alive. The bouncy feature provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a polished feel, but the Baby Kangaroo offers additional snappy and bouncy qualities.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix features a crunchy click mechanism that creates a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, along with a polished feel. While the sound profiles of the two switches differ significantly, both are described as polished, ensuring a smooth typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and snappy sound with a lively feel, the Baby Kangaroo would be the recommended choice. However, if a crunchy click sound with a polished feel is more to your liking, the Phoenix would be a suitable option. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch is best known for its sharp and snappy clacky sound, as well as its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it offers a snappy and bouncy sensation, giving you a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a unique click mechanism, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium typing experience. The Phoenix switch stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. In terms of feel, it shares the same polished characteristic as the Baby Kangaroo switch, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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