Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Purple Click. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that make them stand out in their respective categories. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and distinctive marbley sound profile. With its 'clacky', 'marbly', and 'high-pitched' attributes, this switch provides a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, boasts a satisfying, fairly high-pitched click and light keystrokes. It strikes the perfect equilibrium between pronounced tactility and a pleasant typing sensation, making it an invigorating and crunchy switch. However, let's delve deeper into the details of these switches to help you choose the one that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Purple Click share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.
However, their bottom housing materials differ. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Click also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, pressing down on the Baby Kangaroo switch will elicit a different sound and feel compared to the Purple Click due to the variation in their bottom housing materials.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, it is important to note that the impact of each housing material is distinct. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the switches may differ in their overall sound profile due to the housing materials, their bottom and top housing materials play specific roles in determining the sound experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that they exhibit notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Purple Click's lighter 40 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo has a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo provides a more substantial typing experience, giving users a stronger push feel.
However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, the Purple Click would be a better choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Kangaroo may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing.
Although they have different force requirements, both switches offer a medium level of resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether opting for a lighter or heavier switch, both switches provide reliable performance and can enhance your typing or gaming sessions accordingly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Purple Click has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. These distances indicate the range in which the switches move from the top to the bottom when pressed. The shorter distance of the Baby Kangaroo makes it more suitable for gamers who prefer faster response times, as it allows for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple Click may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 combination of qualities. It is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. This can be likened to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It is also resonant, resulting in a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the auditory experience, but the Baby Kangaroo provides a slightly different marbly sound, while the Purple Click offers a crunchy experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo is known for its snappy and bouncy nature. It features longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. Additionally, it is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. It has a moderate to firm actuation force, contributing to its immersive feel. Furthermore, it can be considered a stepped switch, meaning it has a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches offer engaging tactile feedback, but the Baby Kangaroo has a bouncy and polished feel, while the Purple Click provides an invigorating experience with its stepped design.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo has a marbly sound profile, giving it a resonant and high-pitched tone, along with a crisp and light switch-like tactility. Its feel is snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a satisfying higher-pitched click sound and an invigorating typing sensation. With its stepped design, it offers a mild tactile bump and a reactive feel. While they have some similarities, such as being resonant and providing a clean and sharp sound profile, it's important to note that the Baby Kangaroo emphasizes a marbly sound and a polished feel, whereas the Purple Click offers a crunchy sound and a stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel, while the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel.
The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile. It offers a clacky and marbly sound, which can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive. The Purple Click, on the other hand, is recognized for its high-pitched, satisfying click. The keystrokes are light but still offer a pronounced tactility.
When it comes to sound, the Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. This can be appealing for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing. The Purple Click, on the other hand, has a crunchy and resonant sound, similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished experience. It is super responsive, provides a spring-like feedback sensation, and has a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers an invigorating typinf feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation. It can feel like a stepped switch, with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel feelings.
Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier feel and a clear, bright sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying click and a crunchy sound, the KTT Purple Click could be the perfect option. By considering your preferences in terms of weight, sound, and feel, you can make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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