Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you'll find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a unique tactile typing experience with a crisp feel and marbley sound profile, making each keystroke satisfyingly bouncy and resonant. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a creamy and polished typing sensation. While the Baby Kangaroo switch leans towards a clacky and high-pitched profile, the Piano Pro switch offers a more refined and silky feel. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one noticeable difference lies in the top housing. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and typing experience of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder and duller sound that can enhance the typing experience. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the nuances in the construction and design of the switches can still lead to variations in sound and feel. However, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the nylon top housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro demonstrates how different materials can impact the overall sound profile. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, the distinction in their top housing materials leads to unique sound characteristics. Whether preferring a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, users can choose a switch based on their preference for housing materials that enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of resistance. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Baby Kangaroo will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Piano Pro will offer a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Baby Kangaroo. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers might lean towards the Gateron Baby Kangaroo for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches is minimal, and regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of speed and performance.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 offers a unique marbly sound profile that is high-pitched and resonant, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is also described as clacky and resonant, delivering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. While both switches share the clacky descriptor, the Baby Kangaroo switch stands out with its marbly characteristic, offering a different sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a distinctive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is noted for its snappy and bouncy feedback, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and sleek key travel, reducing friction during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch also features a bouncy sensation along with a creamy and silky typing experience. The application of lubricant in the factory enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, allowing for effortless key presses. Overall, both switches offer a combination of responsiveness and smoothness, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a marbly sound profile and a snappy tactile feedback, the Akko Piano Pro switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are drawn to a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, along with a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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