Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique tactile feel and a pleasing sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch may be the perfect choice for you. With its crisp and light tactile feedback, you'll experience a switch-like tactility that adds a satisfying touch to your typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch is also known for its distinctive marbley sound profile, which resonates with a high-pitched and clacky tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch might be your ideal option. The Sea Salt Lemon switch stands out for its buttery smoothness, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, ensuring a mild and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of this plastic also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, as both switches share the same material for their bottom housing.
However, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall performance. While the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound that is produced when the key is released. Therefore, even though both switches share similarities in the material choices for their housings, the specific nuances in their design may result in slight variations in their overall sound profiles and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Baby Kangaroo has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter, requiring only 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo is again heavier at 67 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon measures at 53 grams. These variances in weight provide distinct typing experiences for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial and stronger push feel may favor the Baby Kangaroo, providing a more robust typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer a medium-level resistance, ensuring a satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is longer than the Baby Kangaroo switch. The Sea Salt Lemon switch follows the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo switch falls slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Baby Kangaroo switch would be a suitable option for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may find the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile. When using these switches, you can expect a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the sound profile is resonant and clean, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches have a low-pitched sound, giving them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The overall sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various preferences and settings.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The switches are super responsive and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Taking all the available information into account, the Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a unique tactile feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile. Its snappy and bouncy sensation, along with the polished finish, adds to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound and a mild feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the lively and tactile experience of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth and mellow feel of the Sea Salt Lemon. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. These switches are known for their crisp, light tactile feel and the marbly sound profile they produce. They are also described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switches are snappy, bouncy, and polished in terms of feel, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable option. These switches are praised for their buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to the progressive spring and dry-lube design. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as low-pitched and neutral in terms of sound. They are also characterized as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactile feel with a marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo would be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and value a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice. Consider your desired sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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