Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Silent Brown, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a tactile typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switch is renowned for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a marbley sound profile. It boasts a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, its muted sound profile gives it a buttery, mild, muted, and polished characteristic. Both switches offer their unique advantages, making them compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's delve deeper into their features to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Silent Brown share similarities in their housing materials, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience when it comes to the top housing of these switches.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
It's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will affect different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Silent Brown might offer comparable performance in terms of their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials may result in slight variations in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Despite the slight variation in numbers, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of force required.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. These individuals may find the Silent Brown switch more suitable, with its lighter actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial and robust typing experience, and for them, the heavier actuation force of 59 grams provided by the Baby Kangaroo switch may be more appealing.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a similar range of force. The Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent results when pressing the switches all the way down.
Overall, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we can see that there is a difference in length. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Here, the Silent Brown switch has the longer travel distance. If you prefer a switch with a more traditional travel distance, closer to the 4.0 mm range, then the Silent Brown would be the better option. However, if you are a gamer looking for a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm in the Baby Kangaroo switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and whether you value a shorter or longer 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 switch is known for its distinctive qualities. It is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding can help visualize this unique sound. It is worth noting that the Baby Kangaroo switch is also high-pitched, providing a crisp and bright sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches offer a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch may also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, indicating a highly responsive typing experience. This responsiveness can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which provide a lively feel to the keys. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is considered bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation upon pressing the keys. Furthermore, it is mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined feel during typing. This is achieved through the use of specific materials and factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they are referred to as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Silent Brown switch stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Silent Brown switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profiles, along with snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile, buttery typing experience, and a mild feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired qualities when selecting a switch. If you prefer a sharper sound and more responsive feel, the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice. However, if a quieter sound and smoother keystroke experience are preferred, the Silent Brown can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is a great choice for you. This switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience, along with a clacky and resonant sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a similar bottom out force but want a more muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a comfortable and buttery typing experience, with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel, as both switches provide a satisfying tactile bump and are suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
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