Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen, a linear switch. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, it offers a distinctive marbly sound profile, resonating with a high-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments. Not only does it provide a smooth typing experience, but it also offers a pillowy feel that adds a layer of comfort to your typing sessions. With the Baby Kangaroo presenting a tactile and auditory delight, and the Silent Frozen ensuring a serene and smooth experience, choosing the perfect switch depends on your personal preferences. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Silent Frozen both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in similar qualities for both switches. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be better showcased. Therefore, both switches offer a comparable sound experience and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing.
However, the differentiation comes with the choice of material for the bottom housing. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is distinct from the sharper and crisper sound of the top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen aligns with the qualities of the top housing, contributing to a more uniform sound profile throughout the switch. Pressing down on the Silent Frozen switch will provide a similar impact as the top housing, maintaining the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound.
In summary, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Silent Frozen have polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a sharp and resonant sound experience with the added benefit of RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the choice of material for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen maintains the consistent sharp and crisp sound found in the top housing. The choice between the two will depend on the desired sound experience when pressing down on the switch, with the Baby Kangaroo providing a rounder sound and the Silent Frozen offering a more uniform profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it becomes clear that these switches offer different experiences when it comes to typing or gaming. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, meaning that a relatively strong push is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, providing a more effortless typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, while the Silent Frozen requires a lighter 43 grams to fully depress the key. This indicates that the Baby Kangaroo offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience, whereas the Silent Frozen enables smoother and lighter keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. With just a 0.1 mm difference, the Silent Frozen can provide a slightly deeper keystroke experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel. However, for those who enjoy a more responsive and abrupt key press, the Baby Kangaroo with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the preferred choice. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these two switches is minimal, making them both suitable options for users seeking a shorter keystroke 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 TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 best known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, they have a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. These switches are described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. They have a low-pitched and muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, if you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter, deeper, and more satisfying sound experience, the Silent Frozen switches would be a better fit. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches are super responsive, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. They offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, gliding effortlessly with each keystroke. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. In addition, they are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Furthermore, they have a gentle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces. Similar to the sound qualities, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo and Silent Frozen switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive, bouncy, and polished feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a smoother, buttery, and lighter feel, the Silent Frozen switches would be a better fit.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switches provide a clacky, marbly sound profile with a higher pitch and resonant tone, while the Silent Frozen switches offer a quiet, deep thocky sound with a lower pitch and muted tone. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, light, and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Baby Kangaroo switches providing a sharper and more responsive sound and feel, while the Silent Frozen switches offering a quieter and smoother sound and feel. However, if you prefer a similar result between the two, you can expect a smooth and polished typing experience from both switches, thanks to their refined finishes and reduced friction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their marbley sound profile and provide a satisfying and percussive clacky sound when pressed. They offer a snappy feel and a bouncy, polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile and a light bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the perfect fit. These switches are characterized by their extremely quiet sound profile and provide a smooth and pillowy typing experience. They have a thocky sound signature, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Silent Frozen switches also have a buttery, feathery feel and a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy typing feel, go for the Baby Kangaroo. However, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile, a light bottom out force, and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Silent Frozen switches would be the ideal option for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences before making a decision.
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