Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp and light tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with a distinct marble-like sound profile. Categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and snappy, these switches offer a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch stands out with its feather-light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists. Considered as the lighter cousin of the Everglide Aqua Kings, these switches deliver a gliding type feel and frictionless operation for a smooth and effortless typing experience. They also produce a delightful poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped, giving a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Both switches have their own merits, however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches show some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, the sound and visual aesthetics of the top housing will be similar for both switches.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Baby Kangaroo switch with its nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its overall sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of polycarbonate.
When comparing the two switches, it's essential to consider the impact of the different housing materials on the sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing will provide a unique typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing. However, both switches will share similar qualities in their top housings, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, which means it requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force is also higher at 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. However, if someone desires a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they should opt for the Baby Kangaroo with its heavier forces. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo is the heavier option, while the Sakura Pink is the lighter one.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, we can see that the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance than the Baby Kangaroo. In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers who value faster response times. The Baby Kangaroo would be a better option for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. In such cases, the Sakura Pink would be a suitable choice for those who value a deeper key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. It has a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It offers a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. It offers a super responsive typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel and provide rebound when pressed. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch offers a frictionless and fluid travel, minimizing any sense of resistance when pressing the keys.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, along with a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers an extremely light actuation force, resulting in a delicate typing experience. It produces a delightfully poppy sound and offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. While the Baby Kangaroo focuses more on crisp tactility and immersive sound, the Sakura Pink prioritizes smoothness and a low-impact typing experience. Both switches provide unique experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing style. If a user is looking for a similar crisp sound profile and a smooth feel, they can opt for the Baby Kangaroo or the Sakura Pink switches for comparable results. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keycap choice and keyboard configuration to further customize the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo with its 67g force may be a suitable choice. It offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a distinct marbly sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Sakura Pink with its 45g bottom out force is ideal. It provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a feather-light actuation force. The Sakura Pink also produces a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the desired level of force, sound characteristics, and typing feel that align with your preferences.
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