Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two mechanical keyboard switches that are sure to enhance your typing experience: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Strawberry. The Baby Kangaroo switch is praised for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbley sound profile, providing an unmatched typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is beloved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switch adds a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup. Each switch offers its own distinctive features and advantages, making it crucial to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine which one best suits your needs. Whether you prioritize a clacky and bouncy tactile switch or a silky and frictionless linear switch, we will guide you through the intricacies of each switch to ensure you make the perfect choice for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Strawberry share similar polycarbonate top housings. This material choice offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those wanting to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and immersive lighting effects. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience and compatibility with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes nylon while the Strawberry opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, known as a classic switch housing material, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. By absorbing more sound than harder plastics, nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, resulting in a unique typing experience. On the other hand, polycarbonate's stiffer properties contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile. This choice is particularly advantageous for enhancing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect different sound characteristics and tactile feedback depending on their preference and the switch they choose.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in each switch leads to a split in the qualities that each material brings. When pressed down, the bottom housing's characteristics, such as sound and feel, will be more prominent. Conversely, when releasing a key, the influence of the top housing on the sound will become more noticeable. This design allows for a balanced and dynamic typing experience, catering to the preferences of various users. Whether one prefers a sharper sound or a rounder sound, or prioritizes RGB lighting compatibility, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Strawberry deliver unique qualities that can enhance typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly heavier push to fully press down compared to the Strawberry.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may find the Strawberry more suitable. Its lower actuation force allows for smoother and lighter keystrokes, which can be advantageous during long work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback and overall typing sensation.
In terms of similarities, both switches fall within the medium weight range. Although the specific forces differ, they are relatively comparable, and users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.4mm of the Baby Kangaroo falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers often prioritize shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Baby Kangaroo an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo to be too abrupt, and in such cases, the longer travel distance of the Strawberry may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences – if responsiveness is a priority, the Baby Kangaroo is a good option, but if a deeper press is preferred, the Strawberry's longer travel distance may be more appealing.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile. It produces a clacky sound, meaning it has a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This switch also has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. This switch is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. It also provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and ensures minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo switch, the KTT Strawberry switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a marbley resonance, while providing a snappy and bouncy typing experience with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a frictionless and silky typing experience with a polished finish as well. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp and lively sound and a tactile and snappy feel, the Baby Kangaroo is a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry would be suitable. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, crisp tactile feedback, and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is an excellent choice for you. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy and bouncy feel, giving you a responsive and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, smooth actuation, and a comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is a great option. It is loved for its attractive pink and clear housings and offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The Strawberry switch provides a frictionless and silky feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and KTT Strawberry switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and lively typing experience with a sharper sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo switch is ideal for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and more mellow typing feel with a lower-pitched sound, the Strawberry switch is the way to go.
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