Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches that are sure to elevate your typing experience - the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. Both switches offer a tactile sensation, providing users with an enhanced sense of feel while typing. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp, light tactility, immersing users in a satisfying switch-like experience. Moreover, its unique marbley sound profile adds an extra touch of elegance to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple packs a powerful punch with its exhilarating tactile bump, delivering an invigorating typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is snappy, ensuring an enjoyable auditory feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision when choosing the perfect switch for your 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 housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple have several similarities. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the switches to have a translucent appearance, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
However, there are differences in the bottom housing materials between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate will also be present when pressing down on the switch.
When comparing the overall experience of typing on the switches, the differences in the bottom housing materials become apparent. The Baby Kangaroo, with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will offer a sharper and crisper sound with each keystroke. Additionally, the top housing material will have an impact on the sound when releasing a key, with both switches benefiting from the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate.
In summary, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and SP-Star Polaris Purple share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Purple employs polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. Nevertheless, both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate, making them suitable options for those who desire a distinct and high-quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is 59 grams, while the actuation force of the Polaris Purple switch is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, both switches require 67 grams of force, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This is especially advantageous for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would opt for switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the weight of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known to be 59 grams, making it lighter than the Polaris Purple switch, where the actuation force is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, both switches require the same 67 grams of force, indicating that they offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out.
In conclusion, the actuation force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is lighter compared to the Polaris Purple switch, but they both require the same amount of force for bottoming out. Therefore, individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force may find the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch more suitable, while those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Purple switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see that they have different lengths. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference - if you value a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Baby Kangaroo may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more satisfying depth to your keystrokes, the Polaris Purple would be the ideal option. Both switches offer their own advantages, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their own preferences.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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 switch offers a unique experience. It is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. Additionally, it has a marbly sound quality, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Tapping on a piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding would give you an idea of the marbly sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound is moderate in volume and does not have any specific descriptors provided. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy and bouncy. This suggests that it is super responsive and provides a lively feel with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a rebound when pressed, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Polaris Purple switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. It offers a mild typing experience, gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of the Polaris Purple switch stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. It also offers a snappy and bouncy feel with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has a more neutral sound profile with a moderate volume. Its feel is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. While the two switches have their own distinct qualities, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile, while the Polaris Purple is praised for its big tactile bump and snappy sound profile. In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, while the Polaris Purple is described as neutral. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished, whereas the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished experience.
Based on these characteristics, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and prefer a keyboard with a unique sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, with high-pitched and resonant qualities, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great option for you. Moreover, if you enjoy a switch with a snappy and polished feel, providing a lively typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Baby Kangaroo would be an ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more moderate sound profile that suits various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and if you prioritize a switch with a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch would be more suitable for you.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider the qualities and characteristics described above to make an informed decision that aligns with your desired keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
