Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to introduce two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Sea Glass. The Baby Kangaroo switches are known for their crisp, light tactility and marbly sound profile. With a range of qualities like being clacky, high-pitched, and snappy, these switches provide a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches, presented as a captivating selection of pastel colors by Durock, offer a different experience. Their proprietary material blend gives them a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, while still maintaining smoothness. These switches possess a surprising weightlessness despite a 62g bottom-out force, highlighting their frictionless nature. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches produces a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches certainly have their own appeal; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Sea Glass, one noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend creates a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a clear housing, making them visually appealing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend brings a sound profile that is described as pleasant, without being particularly sharp but having a slight brightness to it.
It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, although the materials differ between the Baby Kangaroo and Sea Glass, the split nature of the housing allows for similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it becomes evident that the two switches differ in weight. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. Likewise, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. These differences indicate that the Baby Kangaroo provides a slightly stronger push feel, catering to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. It is worth mentioning that although the forces vary, both switches fall within the medium range, offering similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch. The Baby Kangaroo switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the abrupt feel of short travel distances uncomfortable and may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. The switch produces a resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is snappy, bouncy, and polished. The keys have a responsive and lively feel, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. These switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Baby Kangaroo tactile switch provides a satisfying tactile feel and a resonant sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a crisp and lively typing experience.
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a frictionless nature. When typing on the Sea Glass switches, users will notice a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, no specific sound characteristics are mentioned, so it is difficult to provide a detailed comparison in terms of sound between the Baby Kangaroo and the Sea Glass switches.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. They provide a gentle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The light actuation force of the Sea Glass switches allows for low-impact typing, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a crisp and lively typing experience with a marbley, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. Its feel is characterized by snappiness, bounciness, and a polished finish. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a distinct dry, wisp, and airy typing experience with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Its feel is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. While a direct comparison on sound cannot be made due to the lack of information for the Sea Glass switch, both switches offer their own unique qualities. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the lively and tactile experience of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth and gentle typing experience of the Sea Glass.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, along with a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass switch would be a great option. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, while the Sea Glass switch does not have a specific sound profile described. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, while the Sea Glass switch is characterized as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your specific preferences for bottom out force, tactile experience, sound profile, and typing feel.
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