Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out as a tactile switch known for its crisp tactility and unique marbley sound profile. It offers a clacky feel with high-pitched resonance and a snappy, bouncy response. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle is a linear switch that boasts an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to its material blend. It has a low-pitched sound signature and is characterized by its frictionless, mild, and neutral feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo offers a more tactile typing experience with a lively sound profile, while the Roselle provides a smooth and quiet typing experience. However, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HC Studio Roselle, we can see that both switches boast unique characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Roselle uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clearer and more resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper and more subdued sound, the Roselle may be more appealing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches offer different materials with similar sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in materials, both switches result in a similar sound experience, with the choice between nylon and POM bottom housings largely dependent on personal preference.
In terms of overall performance and sound quality, the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Roselle offer a well-rounded experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that they differ in weight. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Roselle has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Roselle is lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Baby Kangaroo. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and may require to type for extended periods, the Roselle may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push may opt for the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly crisper feel with the Baby Kangaroo and a slightly more substantial feel with the Roselle. Ultimately, your preference between the two switches may come down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness over a more solid keypress sensation.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 (V2) tactile switch is best characterized by its clacky and marbly qualities. The sharp and snappy sound produced by the Baby Kangaroo switch gives it a crisp and bright profile. This switch also emits a resonant and high-pitched sound reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound signature. The Roselle switch provides a deeper, richer sound profile during key presses, creating a more mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the higher-pitched, clacky sound of the Baby Kangaroo switch, or the low-pitched, bassy sound of the Roselle switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a super responsive and spring-like feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and allows for smoother key travel. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is polished, resulting in a refined finish that reduces friction and enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by its frictionless and mild feel. The Roselle switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The mild characteristics of the Roselle switch make it approachable to most users, as it sits in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to consider. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a clacky, marbly sound profile with snappy and bouncy tactile feedback, while the Roselle switch delivers a low-pitched, bassy sound with frictionless and mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique qualities of each switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer differing but equally satisfying results based on the desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a marbly sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the HC Studio Roselle switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for key feel and sound profile, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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