Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. Its characteristics are described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers are linear switches that boast a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Users also note a creamy sound signature from these switches. The Splash Brothers fall under the categories of neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Each switch offers its unique advantages, providing different typing experiences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Jwick Splash Brothers feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful if RGB lighting is a priority. Therefore, both switches will deliver similar results when it comes to sound and aesthetics.
Where the two switches differ is in the material used for their bottom housing. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Splash Brothers also use a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits as the Baby Kangaroo. So, in terms of sound, both switches are likely to provide a similar experience due to their shared bottom housing material.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the top and bottom housing materials play a role. Pressing down on either switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the respective bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of housing materials ensures that each aspect of the switch's sound profile is enhanced, contributing to a well-rounded typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Jwick Splash Brothers share polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housing differentiates them in terms of sound profile. Both switches will offer similar sharp and resonant sound qualities thanks to their top housing material. However, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart, with a deeper and fuller sound produced. Furthermore, the division of housing materials allows for an optimized experience, where the bottom housing impacts the feel while the top housing influences the sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch with the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it becomes clear that they have different weight characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force and a light bottom out force of 48 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for individuals who value typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for one with a lower actuation force, such as the Splash Brothers, which enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
In contrast, some users prefer a stronger push feel to enhance their typing experience and provide a more substantial keystroke. For these individuals, a switch with a heavier actuation force, like the Baby Kangaroo, would be more suitable. The higher actuation force requires more effort to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a more deliberate and satisfying typing sensation.
When it comes to the bottom out force, the Splash Brothers is lighter with a force of 48 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly heavier force of 67 grams. Bottoming out refers to pressing the key all the way down, and a lighter bottom out force can be advantageous for those who type with a lighter touch or prefer a softer feel when typing.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct weight characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo provides a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, suitable for users who prefer a strong and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offers a light bottom out force, making it a better choice for individuals seeking a lighter and more endurance-friendly typing sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be the better option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its slightly longer travel distance might be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel of the keystrokes.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, with a hint of resonance and high-pitch. They offer a clean and crisp auditory experience, similar to the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that falls in the middle ground, suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Baby Kangaroo provides a distinct and resonant sound, the Splash Brothers offers a more balanced and moderate auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is characterized as snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches offer a super responsive typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that provide a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. The keys feel snappy and have a subtle rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. It provides a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, it also offers a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth key travel experience. Both switches provide a pleasant typing feel, with the Baby Kangaroo offering a more energetic response and the Splash Brothers delivering a milder but still enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a clacky and marbly sound profile with a sharp, resonant, and high-pitched sound, while the Splash Brothers offers a more neutral and moderate sound. In terms of feel, both switches have similarities such as their snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics. However, the Baby Kangaroo offers a more energetic and lively typing experience, while the Splash Brothers provide a milder and approachable feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Baby Kangaroo delivering a more pronounced sound and response, and the Splash Brothers offering a more balanced and versatile option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, then the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is the way to go. These switches offer a clacky and marbly sound, as well as a snappy and bouncy feel, giving you a responsive, lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a great choice. These switches have a creamy sound signature and provide a mild, snappy, and bouncy feel. They offer a safe middle-ground typing experience suitable for most users. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on whether you prioritize a tactile or linear switch, along with your preference for bottom out force and sound profile.
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