Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo is celebrated for its crisp, light switch-like tactility, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, it offers a distinctive marbley sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is designed with a focus on creating a quieter typing environment. With its cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is ideal for situations where noise reduction is a priority. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their housing materials and the resulting sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for integrating RGB lighting into the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While still providing a satisfying thin sound, it is described as being clacky rather than sharp.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Baby Kangaroo employs a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing. This means that the switch maintains a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, providing a clacky typing experience.
Overall, it is evident that the choice of housing materials greatly influences the sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. While both switches feature different housing materials, they both deliver satisfying and unique sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings contribute to a clacky and pointed sound experience. Therefore, depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a more resonant and clear sound or a clacky and higher-pitched sound by opting for either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, providing a substantial typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo requires a force of 59 grams for actuation and 67 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams for actuation and 70 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, both switches are quite similar, with the Silent Ink Black being slightly heavier.
Considering weight is essential when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches like the Baby Kangaroo, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial push feel, the Silent Ink Black with its slightly heavier force may be preferable. This offers a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.
Overall, both switches provide a reliable and medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force. While the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier, both switches can deliver similar results, depending on the individual's preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both options provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. So, depending on personal preference and desired level of responsiveness, either option can deliver a comfortable 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 tactile switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It has been described as clacky, with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. Additionally, it has a marbly quality to it, producing a resonant and high-pitched sound when pressed. This gives it a clean and sharp sound that can be compared to the tapping of a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. It is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which makes typing feel more alive. The keys have a lively feel and provide rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its silky feel. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, it is also considered polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo provides a unique tactile experience, with a clacky and marbly sound profile, as well as a snappy and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience, with a muted sound and a silky smooth feel. While they have distinct qualities, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, to choose between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and requirements for sound and feel. If you value a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile with a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience and enjoy a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black would be a better option. Both switches offer polished finishes for smooth key travel, but the Silent Ink Black is particularly known for its silky typing experience with reduced resistance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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