Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers tactile feedback, you may want to consider the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Plum. The Baby Kangaroo switches provide a crisp, light switch-like tactility, paired with a distinctive marbley sound profile. These switches are categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Plum switches have a unique characteristic of feeling quite hefty, while not featuring a prominent tactile bump. This sets them apart from many other tactile switches where tactility and weightiness are usually closely correlated. Additionally, the Plum switches have a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Plum switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar acoustic characteristics from the top and bottom housings of both switches.
Although there are similarities, there are also slight differences between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Plum switches. In terms of the top housing, while both switches boast of the benefits of polycarbonate, it is important to note that their physical designs may vary, potentially leading to nuanced sound differences. Each switch may have unique case designs or construction, which could affect the overall sound produced. Additionally, despite both utilizing a nylon bottom housing, variations in bottom-out sound and feel may arise due to differences in manufacturing processes or design choices. These subtle discrepancies could result in distinct user experiences between the two switches.
Ultimately, when considering the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Plum switches, it becomes apparent that while they share many qualities, there may still be slight differences in sound and performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing to create a sharper sound profile and allow for RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound due to its softer nature. However, variations in design and manufacturing processes may lead to subtle distinctions in sound and feel between the two switches. Overall, individuals can expect comparable results from both switches, but their unique characteristics may cater to different preferences or typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is apparent that both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy switches. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the Plum's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that they require a similar level of force to fully press down.
When considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is especially desirable for keyboards used during work or during extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, others might prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Baby Kangaroo is known and lighter than the Plum's unknown actuation force, both switches have the same bottom out force, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo.
When considering travel distance, it is important to note that 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance like the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth when pressing down on the keys, the Plum switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 switch offers a unique combination of qualities. It produces a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy when pressed. This gives a crisp and bright profile to the typing experience. Additionally, it has a marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This resonant quality creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound without any particular characteristics. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with resonant qualities, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be the better choice, while the Plum switch offers a more moderate and neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy experience. It is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, which adds a liveliness to the typing experience. Additionally, it offers a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Moreover, 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 Kailh Plum switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in the middle ground, making it approachable to most users. There is also an indication of a stepped feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, if you prefer a snappy and bouncy feel with a polished finish, the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a better fit, while the Plum switch offers a milder and more approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Kailh Plum switches differ in their subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a unique sound profile, with clacky and marbly characteristics. It offers a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the neutral sound profile of the Plum switch. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy and bouncy experience, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a milder and more stepped feel. Both switches have their own strengths and would cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for similar results, you can expect a moderate and neutral sound with a safe and middle-ground typing experience when using either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams and provide a snappy and bouncy typing experience. They produce clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sounds when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that feels hefty but doesn't have a pronounced tactile bump, the Kailh Plum would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users. The feel of the Plum switches is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, some Plum switches have a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Kailh Plum depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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