Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying typing experience accompanied by a distinct marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky attributes, providing users with a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is known for its 'Clacky', 'Marbly', and 'Snappy' qualities, the Salt Ice is characterized by its light touch and energetic typing experience. Each switch offers a different typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in their bottom housings showcases contrasting qualities. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its nylon bottom housing offers a softer typing experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more rigid feel, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice comes down to personal preference in typing experience and sound profile. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a unique nylon bottom housing for a softer and fuller sound, whereas the Salt Ice sticks with a polycarbonate bottom housing to maintain a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout. Whether you prefer a deep and absorbent typing feel or a clear and resonant sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Salt Ice's lighter 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires 67 grams to fully press down, whereas the Salt Ice force is unknown. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some may prefer for a solid feel while typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is equal, both having a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the depth of keypress. Whether you choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 is known for its clacky and marbly characteristics, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing users with a clean and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is described as exceptionally bright and clacky, offering a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While specific sound descriptors for the Salt Ice switch are not provided, it can be inferred that it also produces a crisp and sharp sound similar to the Baby Kangaroo. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is noted for its snappy and bouncy qualities, offering a super responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, being described as polished, this switch provides a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, specific feel descriptors are not provided. However, based on its bright and clacky characteristics, it can be assumed that this switch also offers a responsive and effortless typing experience similar to the Baby Kangaroo. Users can expect a spring-like feedback and a polished feel when using both switches, enhancing the overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch exhibit unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp and marbly sound profile along with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound and likely responsive feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. Choose the Baby Kangaroo (V2) if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, enjoy a crisp and light tactile experience with a marbly sound profile, and appreciate a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, opt for the Salt Ice if you prefer no bottom out force, enjoy exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, and seek a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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