Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Huano Sakura. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its light tactile feel, delivering a crisp feedback that many typists find satisfying. Its unique marbly sound profile, characterized as clacky and resonant, adds a playful auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a linear switch experience with a feather-light touch, making it an excellent choice for those who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Ideal for extended typing sessions, the Sakura’s medium acoustics provide a gentle auditory presence without being overly distracting. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table: the Baby Kangaroo (V2) appeals to tactile enthusiasts looking for engagement with each keystroke, while the Sakura caters to those seeking fluidity in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Huano Sakura, significant differences emerge that impact the acoustic and tactile characteristics of each switch. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality is particularly beneficial in RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. Conversely, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also providing a smooth typing experience, offers a more clacky sound profile due to its superior durability and shock resistance. While both materials contribute to a defined sound, the polycarbonate in the Baby Kangaroo leans towards crisper tones, while the POK material focuses more on smoothness and strength.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share a common bottom housing made of nylon, a classic choice praised for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted experience when typing, regardless of the top housing material. This uniform bottom housing means that, while the auditory characteristics differ during key release, the weighted, softer sound produced during bottom-out remains consistent across both switches. By understanding that both switches rely on nylon for their foundational sound, users can expect a similar tactile feeling and resonance when pressing down on either switch, even when the typist is experiencing distinct auditory outputs above.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each switch leads to differentiated sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) delivers a combination of crispness and clarity via its polycarbonate top, while the Huano Sakura offers robustness and an engaging clack with its POK material. However, the consistent use of nylon across both designs fosters a cohesive bottom-out sensation, ensuring that, irrespective of the contrasting upper housings, the core tactile feel remains aligned. Thus, while the switches cater to varied auditory preferences, their nylon foundation harmonizes the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter force allows for easier and more prolonged typing, making the Sakura a great choice for those who prefer a more delicate touch for extensive use or gaming. Since the forces differ between the two switches, users should choose based on their preferences: lighter forces for comfortable, long sessions, and heavier forces for a more tactile feedback that some typists or gamers may desire. In summary, the Baby Kangaroo offers a firmer experience while the Huano Sakura caters to those who seek a lighter keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo is the shorter option, making it ideal for gamers or users who favor quicker response times, as it can provide a more immediate feel. In contrast, the Sakura's slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth with each keystroke, offering a feeling of a more deliberate press. Ultimately, while both switches deliver distinct sensations, the choice between them will largely depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in tactile feedback.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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) switches offer a combination of clacky and marbly characteristics. This means that users can expect a crisp, bright sound when typing, which is enhanced further by the resonant quality of the switch that produces a high-pitched auditory experience. The unique blend of being both sharp and marble-like can create an engaging and immersive sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the Huano Sakura linear switches are noted for their medium acoustics but lack detailed description, making it difficult to directly compare their sound. The Baby Kangaroo’s lively auditory profile suggests that it is likely to be more prominent and engaging than the Sakura, which is designed for a subtler auditory experience.
When considering feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback, which provides an energetic and responsive typing sensation. The polished nature of the switch ensures a smooth and refined experience, reducing friction and enhancing key travel. This makes for a lively typing experience that many users find satisfying. The Sakura switches, however, do not have enough described tactile qualities to accurately assess their feel. Without attention to their specific characteristics, it's reasonable to expect that they would offer a less dynamic tactile experience than the snappy and bouncy sensation present in the Baby Kangaroo.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch stands out with its crisp, bright sound and responsive, bouncy feel, providing an engaging typing experience suited for enthusiasts. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch promises a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, its overall characteristics are less defined, leaving its subjective experience somewhat ambiguous. Thus, if you prefer a lively auditory and tactile experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would likely be the better choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider the nature of your typing needs and preferences. If you appreciate a snappy and tactile feedback with a slightly heavier keypress, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice. Its crisp and marbly sound profile can elevate your typing experience, making it ideal for tasks where you want to feel each keystroke, such as gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch that allows for rapid, effortless keystrokes, particularly during long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura would be more suitable for you. Its lighter actuation force ensures minimal fatigue, making it conducive for extended use, where smoothness is key. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you seek that tactile feedback and engaging sound of the Baby Kangaroo or the fluidity and ease of the Sakura.
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