Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a distinctive marbley sound profile. This switch is categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing an enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those seeking a combination of tactile feedback and silenced operation, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, this switch offers a subdued audio feedback. Categorized as stepped, accented, muted, and polished, the Silent T1 provides a refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with a similar sound and aesthetic aspect, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be excellent options.
While the top housings of the two switches are similar, they differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also boasts a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, if you prioritize the sound produced by the bottom-out action of the switch, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would provide a satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be more prominent when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on your preferences and typing style, you can choose between the Baby Kangaroo and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) based on whether you prioritize the sound during pressing or releasing actions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, a few similarities and differences emerge. In terms of actuation force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 59 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions and are ideal for work or extended gaming periods. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, switches with heavier forces are desirable. Based on this, the Baby Kangaroo can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Silent T1's actuation force remains unknown.
It is worth noting that both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, implying that users can expect similar results when fully pressing down on the keys. While the actuation force may differ, the comparable bottom out force ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel distance and overall feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo falls into the category of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent in recent times, particularly favored by gamers for their faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, opting for the Baby Kangaroo would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a longer travel distance, which some individuals may find more satisfying and substantial. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. The marbly sound profile is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is snappy, bouncy, and polished. It provides a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs, making it feel more alive. The bouncy sensation gives the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback, offering a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. It feels like it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It provides a medium level of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Like the Baby Kangaroo switch, it also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbly sound profile, resulting in a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant auditory experience. It offers a snappy and bouncy feel with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, providing a muted sound and a stepped, accented feel with a polished finish. Additionally, both switches feature a polished finish for reduced friction. Overall, while the Baby Kangaroo switch emphasizes sharpness and brightness in sound and a super responsive feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch prioritizes noise reduction and a mild level of tactility. Depending on your preferences and requirements, you can expect different experiences with each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice. These switches are known for their crisp and light switch-like tactility, as well as a unique marbley sound profile. The Baby Kangaroo switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience. In terms of feel, they are described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, offering a super responsive and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With the same bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel. The Silent T1 switches are highly regarded for their muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, they are described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactility and a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a crisp and light tactility with a clacky sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches would be a great fit. However, if you value a silenced switch with a medium bump and a muted sound, as well as a stepped and accented feel, the Silent T1 switches would be more suitable for your needs.
In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or noise reduction, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are excellent choices in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
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