Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo switch is renowned for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a distinctive marbley sound profile, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, combining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth without being overly polished. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and usage scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
Nylon
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are very similar, as both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch with polycarbonate top housings.
Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Baby Kangaroo and the Semi-Silent Linear differ when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound output. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
It is worth noting that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, users will primarily feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Baby Kangaroo and the Semi-Silent Linear share the same top housing material, their differing bottom housing materials contribute to their individual sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, which indicates the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, meaning that this information is unknown. Both switches, however, have a bottom out force to consider. The Baby Kangaroo has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the actuation force may differ between the two switches, they provide similar results in terms of bottom out force - with the Baby Kangaroo being slightly heavier and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a slightly lighter option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter distances for faster response times. If you value quick and responsive typing, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance may be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing experience with a bit more depth to the key press, the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly longer travel distance could be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch stands out with its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clacky nature of this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive auditory experience. Additionally, the marbly aspect of the sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, akin to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound. While it is not completely silent, it provides a dampened sound when pressed, maintaining a more subtle and neutral sound signature compared to most switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and bouncy experience. Snappy switches are highly responsive, often due to longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a typing experience that feels more alive. The bouncy characteristic adds a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. This smoothness and reduced friction result in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most individuals. It offers a more gentle sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it also shares the snappy and polished attributes, making the typing experience responsive and smooth.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbly sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched. Its feel is characterized by snappiness, bounciness, and a polished finish. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch features a more subdued and neutral sound signature, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its feel is mild, yet snappy and buttery, with a polished finish. Although they offer different qualities, individuals seeking a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a snappy and polished feel can achieve similar results with the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile 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 is the one for you. The Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo is snappy and bouncy, giving you a responsive and lively typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the better choice. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued sound profile, dampening the typing noise without being completely silent. Its feel is described as mild, snappy, and buttery, offering a gentle and responsive typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a crisp and sharp sound with a tactile and bouncy feel, go for the Baby Kangaroo. If you prefer a more subdued and quiet sound with a gentle and smooth feel, choose the Semi-Silent Linear. Consider your personal typing preferences and environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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