Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying tactile feedback, you may want to consider the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Duck. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, paired with a distinctive marbley sound profile. Its categorizations include terms such as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. Users often describe it as having a gentle tactility, accompanied by a clean and crispy sound profile. Its categorizations are 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing options for different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Duck are similar in terms of their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities from both switches when it comes to their top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer sound. Therefore, users may notice distinct differences in sound when bottoming out keys between the two switches.
It is also important to note that the housing materials of a switch play a role in the overall feel and sound when using the keyboard. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing influences the sound. Therefore, while the switches share similarities in their top housings, the differing bottom housing materials will contribute to variations in the typing experience between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Duck.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the actuation force of the Duck is unknown. However, both switches have fairly similar bottom out forces, with the Baby Kangaroo requiring 67 grams and the Duck requiring 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Duck switch may be a better choice. With its medium actuation force and slightly lighter bottom out force, it allows for comfortable typing for extended periods of time. This could be particularly beneficial for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a slightly heavier push feel. With its medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, it provides a more substantial typing experience. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback while typing.
Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a personal preference. It is important to consider one's own typing style and preferences when deciding between lighter or heavier forces. Both the Baby Kangaroo and the Duck switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and can provide satisfying results for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Duck has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Baby Kangaroo's travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Duck's longer travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel for those who prefer a more hearty typing experience. Both options have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo offering enhanced speed and the longer travel distance of the Duck providing a sense of 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. Pressing the keys produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that is reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more neutral sound experience. It has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or in the office. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience. These switches are super responsive and give a lively feel due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, they have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. It provides a gentle feedback sensation and a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Just like the Baby Kangaroo switch, the Duck switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth typing.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch offers a more tactile and crispy typing experience with its snappy and bouncy feel. It produces a clacky and marbly sound profile, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharper and more distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a more subtle and neutral tactile feel with a mild and buttery typing experience. Its sound profile is clean and crispy, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and while they may not be exactly the same, they can provide similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and clean auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a super responsive and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and desire a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches would be perfect for you. These switches offer a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Duck switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and approachable feeling, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Duck switches also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the SP-Star Duck switches depends on your preference for bottom-out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing you to customize your keyboard to suit your personal preferences.
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