Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that perfectly suits your typing preferences? Look no further! Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two popular options: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch. Both switches have unique qualities that make them stand out. The Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Choosing between the two may seem daunting at first glance, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material offers similar benefits for both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound experience and aesthetic appeal when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo employs nylon, while the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. The choice between these two materials ultimately affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In summary, both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a consistent and vibrant sound profile along with the ability to showcase RGB lighting. However, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile found throughout the switch. Therefore, users can expect nuances in sound and feel between the two switches depending on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Polaris Gray, for which the actuation force is unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel.
Considering the advantages of a lighter switch, users may find it more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. The reduced actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo makes it an ideal choice for those who require a lighter touch. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the tactile typing experience, and for them, a switch with a heavier force is recommended.
While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unavailable, it is crucial to note that its bottom out force is the same as that of the Baby Kangaroo. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys. However, without knowledge of the exact actuation force, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their initial trigger force.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Meanwhile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch shares the same bottom out force but lacks information on its actuation force. Both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience, allowing users to choose their preferred level of feedback and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness, whereas 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances in the gaming community, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a faster response time for gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth to their keystrokes, the Polaris Gray switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth required.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 provides a unique experience with a marbley sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound. It's comparable to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile. This means that the sound produced is sharp and snappy, with a crisp and bright tone. It is low-pitched, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. These two switches have distinct sound characteristics, so depending on your preference, you can choose between the higher-pitched marbly sound of the Baby Kangaroo or the low-pitched clacky sound of the Polaris Gray.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its snappy and bouncy sensation. This is due to its super responsive nature, possibly enhanced by longer or dual-staged springs. It provides a lively feel with rebound when pressed, giving you an enhanced typing experience. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Polaris Gray switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a snappy and bouncy feel or a mild and polished sensation, both switches have their unique qualities.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a marbly sound profile with high-pitched and resonant qualities, along with a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a clacky sound profile with a low-pitched tone, accompanied by a mild and polished feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the unique experiences offered by each switch. However, it's important to note that the overall experience is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished nature.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a crisp, light tactile switch with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches are an excellent choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The Baby Kangaroo switches provide a snappy and polished typing experience, thanks to their responsiveness and smooth key travel. They also offer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can be described as clacky and marbly. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are a great option. These linear switches also have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy. The Polaris Gray switches provide a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Additionally, they produce a low-pitched sound profile, known for its deep and satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and it boils down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two.
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