Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Gateron Quinn, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility accompanied by a marbley sound profile, giving it a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide users with a combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. Each keystroke emits a rich and immersive sound, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. Both switches offer precise and clean tactile bumps, but the Baby Kangaroo tends to have a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the Quinn produces a bassy and buttery sound. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you decide which one is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent and aesthetically pleasing option for RGB lighting, the Quinn's nylon top housing provides a classic and rich typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Quinn incorporate nylon as their material of choice. This commonality means that typing on switches with either of these housing materials will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. Therefore, whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo or the Quinn, you can expect a similar sound experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Considering the impact of the housing materials, it is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to the overall sound. When using either the Baby Kangaroo or the Quinn, pressing down on the switch will primarily reflect the qualities of the bottom housing, which includes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing may create a distinct sound upon key release, the Quinn's nylon top housing will have its own unique influence on the sound profile in the same scenario.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that they are identical in terms of force requirements. Both switches have an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing them as medium-heavy switches. This means that users can expect similar results when typing or gaming with either switch. The consideration of weight is crucial in choosing the right switch for individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel would benefit from both of these switches, as they allow for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, but in this case, both switches offer the same force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch are exactly the same, at 3.4 mm. Both switches provide the user with a consistent and satisfying keypress experience. Whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo or the Quinn, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 is best described as producing a marbley sound profile. This sound is resonant, high-pitched, clean, and sharp. It can be compared to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile. It is characterized by its bassy tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, both switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile with an immersive auditory experience. If you prefer a higher-pitched and marbly sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch is a great option. If you prefer a deeper and bassier sound, the Quinn switch is the way to go. Keep in mind that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Quinn switches share several similarities. They both offer a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs. This makes the keys feel more alive and enhances the typing sensation. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and sometimes factory lubing, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. Both switches can also provide a bouncy feedback sensation, giving users a spring-like or elastic feel when pressing the keys. The Quinn switch also adds an accented tactile characteristic, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Overall, both the Baby Kangaroo and Quinn switches offer a satisfying and polished feel with lively feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Quinn switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Sound-wise, the Baby Kangaroo switch produces a marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, while the Quinn switch offers a bassy and resonant sound. Feel-wise, both switches provide a snappy and responsive typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures a refined and smooth tactile sensation. Both switches also offer a bouncy feedback when pressing the keys. While they have their own unique characteristics, both switches share similarities in terms of being snappy, polished, and bouncy. Therefore, if you prefer a marbly and high-pitched sound along with a snappy and polished feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy sound and accented tactility, along with a snappy and polished feel, the Quinn switch would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches would be a suitable choice for you. These switches are known for their marbley sound profile, which produces a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound. They offer a tactile bump that is precise, clean, and crisp. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep, resonant sound profile and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility, the Gateron Quinn switches would be a better option. With their specially designed nylon housings, these switches provide a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. They also offer a snappy and polished feel, giving you a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Quinn switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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