Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out as a tactile switch, providing users with a crisp and light tactile feedback accompanied by a signature marbly sound profile—often described as clacky and snappy, with a high-pitched resonance that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy feeling a noticeable bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood is a linear switch, celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, largely attributed to a factory-applied lubricant that ensures smooth and silent keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, unbroken typing rhythm. While both switches have their unique appeal—one promoting tactile engagement and auditory pleasure, while the other emphasizes smoothness and deep acoustics—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko Rosewood both utilize distinct materials for their top housings that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback during use. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material creates a sharper, crisper sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience, particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally softer and better at sound absorption. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, yielding a more muted auditory feedback compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top of the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Thus, while both switches might offer engaging typing experiences, their sound characteristics are markedly different due to the materials used in their top housings.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon, which leads to a consistent auditory experience regarding the deeper and rounder sound profile produced upon bottoming out. This characteristic comes from nylon being a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound, allowing for a less harsh experience when keys are pressed fully down. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, these switches share a common ground in the material used for their bottom housings. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound will feel and sound substantially similar when using either switch, showcasing the capability of nylon to create a pleasing auditory conclusion to each keystroke.
In summary, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Akko Rosewood provide contrasting auditory profiles due to their differing top housing materials, with the former's polycarbonate yielding a brighter sound and the latter's nylon offering a more subdued tone. However, both switches share the soft-touch quality of nylon in their bottom housings, which maintains a consistent and satisfying typing experience upon key engagement. This combination allows users to experience a distinctive sound profile upon releasing each key while enjoying a common auditory closure with a fuller sound when the keys are pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would be influenced by whether the user prefers a sharper, clearer sound or a deeper, richer tone in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Akko Rosewood is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions will find the Rosewood more suitable, as its lower force requirement can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, those who enjoy a heavier, more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) due to its increased resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the lighter Akko Rosewood catering to those seeking ease of use over extended periods, while the heavier Baby Kangaroo appeals to users desiring a more forceful keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Rosewood. For those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo may be the more appealing option, as shorter travel distances can allow for quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a deeper travel distance, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice, providing a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, your preference between these switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more immersive, tactile depth.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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) switches present a unique auditory experience characterized by a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. This combination delivers a sharp, bright, and percussive response, reminiscent of precise taps on a hard surface. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switches produce a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, enhancing the auditory experience with a rich sonic depth. The difference in sound between these switches is palpable; while the Baby Kangaroo offers a more resonant and crisp experience, the Rosewood leans towards a fuller and lower-frequency thock.
When considering feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switches shine with a snappy and bouncy responsiveness that invigorates the typing experience. This lively rebound, combined with a polished finish, ensures smooth keystrokes with minimal friction. The tactile feedback is immediate, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging and dynamic typing sensation. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Akko Rosewood linear switch are unknown in this context, leaving its tactile response and overall feel to speculation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Akko Rosewood switches offer distinctly different sound profiles and, while the Baby Kangaroo is recognized for its sharp and bright acoustics, the Rosewood provides a deeper, more thocky sound. The tactile experience of the Baby Kangaroo is defined by its snappiness and bounce, complemented by a polished finish. However, without information on the Rosewood’s feel, its overall typing experience remains uncertain. For those choosing between the two, understanding these sound and feel characteristics will help in selecting the switch that best fits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of tactile experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a more pronounced feedback during typing, appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, and are drawn to a sound profile that is crisp and lively, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is likely the right choice for you. Its snappy and bouncy feel, combined with a marbly sound, makes it a great option for both typing and gaming, especially if you love a satisfying tactile sensation with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, and are looking for a deep, thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Its smooth key travel and satisfying auditory feedback provide a luxurious typing experience that's perfect for prolonged use, especially if you enjoy a less tactile approach. Ultimately, consider what feels best for your typing style, be it the engaging tactility of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth, rich sound of the Rosewood.
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