Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Baby Kangaroo (V2), recognized for its crisp and light tactility, provides a unique typing experience characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that many users find snappy and polished. This tactile switch caters to those who enjoy a more responsive feel with a bit of auditory feedback, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a smooth operational feel combined with a deep sound, creating a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Furthermore, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility, appealing to enthusiasts seeking performance-driven options. While each switch offers distinct advantages based on user preferences and scenarios, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness lends itself to a brighter, sharper, and more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for switches that are expected to produce clear acoustics. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when used with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. As a result, both switches feature a crisp sound when activated, catering to users who enjoy the enhanced auditory feedback typical of switches with polycarbonate tops.
In contrast, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Rice Pudding employ nylon for their bottom housing, creating a noticeable distinction in their overall sound profile. Nylon is characterized by its softer composition, which results in a richer, deeper, and fuller sound when typing. This absorption of sound contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience, greatly impacting the feel and sound when the switches bottom out. Since the bottom housing tends to shape the tactile feedback and auditory response more significantly during keystrokes, both switches will offer a similar weighty presence during use, emphasizing the importance of the bottom materials in their overall sound signature.
While the top housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Everglide Rice Pudding switches produce bright and snappy sounds thanks to their polycarbonate construction, their nylon bottoms create a base of deeper, warmer tones. The combination of these materials results in an overall balanced acoustic profile, where the upper tones are crisp while the lower tones are rich and full. Thus, both switches exhibit a blend of clarity and depth that gamers and typists alike can appreciate, producing a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience. With both switches sharing similar material compositions, they are poised to deliver comparable results in sound and tactile feedback, making them appealing options for enthusiasts looking for a specific auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch with the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge, particularly in weight. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, which can be beneficial during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to those who favor a more effortless typing experience that encourages longer periods of use without fatigue. Hence, if you're looking for a switch that requires less effort to press and is easier on the fingers, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the better option. Conversely, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers the added tactile feedback and resistance that some users prefer in their typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct feel and performance suited for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rice Pudding switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, making it a better choice for gamers or users who prioritize faster response times in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch, with its longer 3.5 mm distance, caters to those who may appreciate a greater depth in their key presses, providing a more succulent tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key actuation.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 (V2) tactile switch offers a distinctly clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. Users can expect a sharp, bright, and percussive tone when pressing these switches, which can create an engaging and immersive typing experience. The resonant quality further enhances this sound profile, making each keystroke feel crisp and lively. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch is characterized by a deeper sound that blends smoothly. This offers a satisfying auditory experience that may not be as strident as the Baby Kangaroo, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more balanced sound. However, since the specific descriptors for the Rice Pudding's sound profile aren't outlined, it's difficult to make a direct comparison beyond noting the distinct tonal characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy feedback, which provides an energetic typing experience. Users will appreciate the lively sensation as the switch responds rapidly to key presses, aided by longer or dual-staged springs that enhance responsiveness. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction, allowing for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remain unspecified, making it challenging to establish a clear comparison on tactile feedback and overall typing experience. The absence of detailed descriptors leaves this switch's tactile qualities open to interpretation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo offers a lively and engaging auditory profile along with a responsive and dynamic tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding presents a smoother and deeper sound with a potentially satisfying touch, but without definitive descriptors, its tactile feedback remains uncertain. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but a shared quality of smoothness may align the typing experiences for users seeking efficiency and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feedback combined with an engaging, clacky sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) might be your best fit. These switches are snappy and bouncy, making them ideal for those who appreciate a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth operation paired with a satisfying yet deep sound, the Rice Pudding is an excellent option. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking for versatility in their setups. In essence, choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) for a more tactile and engaging experience, or opt for the Rice Pudding if you value smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes.
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