Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Piano offer unique characteristics and features that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and distinct marbley sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out with its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that make it highly enjoyable for linear switch enthusiasts. Both switches have their merits, offering either a clacky and marbly sensation or a bassy and silky smoothness. However, to make the best decision for your typing preferences, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities and explore the unique qualities of each switch further.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Piano exhibit some key differences. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The exact details of this POM blend are unknown, but it provides a distinct auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which again provides a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Specific details about this blend are undisclosed, but it contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings differ for the two switches, they each play a significant role in the sound profile. The bottom housing has a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Both the Baby Kangaroo and the Piano offer distinct auditory experiences, thanks to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Piano showcase different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharp and clear sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deeply satisfying auditory experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo generates a fuller sound, while the proprietary POM blend bottom housing of the Piano contributes to its distinct sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches exhibit a careful balance of materials that result in a pleasing sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, which is slightly lighter than the bottom-out force of 67 grams. In contrast, the Piano switch does not provide detailed information about its actuation force. However, it has a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, which is relatively close to the Baby Kangaroo's bottom-out force.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Baby Kangaroo switch. With its lower actuation force, it allows for longer typing sessions without causing strain. This makes it suitable for keyboards used during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Piano switch. While the actuation force is unknown, its higher bottom-out force of 63.5 grams suggests a stronger push, offering a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation forces of the switches differ, their bottom-out forces are quite similar. Therefore, users seeking a medium-heavy typing experience can achieve comparable results with both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which falls on the shorter side of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, placing it closer to the traditional range. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo would be the preferred choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. In such cases, the longer travel distance of the Durock Piano switch would be more suitable. Both options offer distinct advantages, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 offers a unique and distinctive experience. It is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. The sound can be compared to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a deep and creamy sound signature. It is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Piano switch provides a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy experience. The switch is designed to be super responsive, with longer or dual-staged springs that make typing feel more alive. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides fluid travel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance during key press and release.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, providing crisp and bright percussive sounds with resonant and high-pitched characteristics. It feels snappy and bouncy, with a polished and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature, characterized by a bassy tone. Its feel is described as frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches offer unique attributes and can provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, crisp tactility, and a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and bouncy feel, with a polished finish that provides smooth and refined key travel. The Baby Kangaroo also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving you a sharp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, if a linear switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force is more appealing to you, and you value a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and allowing for effortless key presses. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
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