Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in tactile feedback and sound profile can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch, is cherished for its crisp, light tactility and the marbly sound it produces, creating an engaging and snappy feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable. This switch is characterized by its clacky, resonant tone and bouncy feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate tactile nuances in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX SU, a linear switch, offers a wholly different experience; its full PA12 housing coupled with a T5 stem provides a smooth and subtle keystroke, complemented by a relatively deep sound profile. This makes the SU an excellent selection for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience with a more consistent keypress throughout. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, understanding their unique characteristics is essential for finding your ideal typing companion. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX SU switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sturdiness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality is attributed to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and more resonant audio experience when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon is considered a traditional switch material, offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Consequently, the nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing, particularly during key releases.
In the realm of bottom housings, both switches employ nylon material, aligning them in terms of acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing in both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX SU contributes to a deeper, fuller typing experience, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This commonality results in a diminished impact on the bottom-out sound feel across both switches, allowing for a consistent experience when pressed down. The shared material in the bottom housings ensures that both switches will have similar tactile feedback and auditory qualities when a user engages a key, reinforcing the idea that the nylon contributes positively to the overall experience.
Ultimately, when comparing the two switches, the primary divergence lies in their top housing materials, which dictate their sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2)’s polycarbonate top creates a more pronounced audio experience as it accentuates higher frequencies, while the HMX SU’s nylon top softens the sound, making it rounder and less sharp. If one seeks to achieve a blended experience, using both types of housing can provide a balanced auditory output, as the nylon bottoms will unify the sound signature, regardless of the differing top materials. This interplay allows for a range of auditory experiences, enabling users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) boasts a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This characteristic makes the SU switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, while the Baby Kangaroo favors those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feel, the HMX SU appeals to users seeking a gentler keystroke experience. Thus, if you value a heavier switch for a more pronounced feedback while typing, the Baby Kangaroo would be the better option; conversely, if your preference leans towards a lighter actuation for ease and extended use, the HMX SU is the way to go.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Baby Kangaroo measuring 3.4 mm and the HMX SU measuring 3.6 mm. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a more responsive feel. In contrast, the HMX SU's longer travel distance may be suited for users who appreciate a heartier depth in their key presses, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, users will find that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the shorter option, while the HMX SU is the longer one.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 (V2) switch has a distinctive auditory profile that combines a clacky and marbly sound, offering a sharp, bright, and crisp experience when pressed. This high-pitched resonance evokes the sound of tapping on high-quality materials, which adds a tactile element to the auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is known for a deep and subtle sound profile due to its full PA12 housing. However, the specifics of its acoustics are not detailed, making it difficult to compare directly with the vibrant sound of the Baby Kangaroo. Overall, users can expect a more pronounced auditory experience with the Baby Kangaroo, whereas the HMX SU may produce a quieter, more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides an engaging tactile experience characterized by its snappy and bouncy nature. The switch is designed to be highly responsive, often attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, providing a lively typing experience that feels both polished and refined. You can expect a smooth key travel due to quality materials and possible factory lubrication. Unfortunately, there is limited information about the feel of the HMX SU linear switch, which makes it difficult to ascertain how its tactile feedback compares. Therefore, the Baby Kangaroo remains a standout in terms of a dynamic and responsive typing experience, while the characteristics of the SU switch remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch excels with its crisp, marbly sound and lively, polished feel, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate audible feedback and responsive key action. The HMX SU linear switch, while known for its relatively deep sound profile, lacks detailed sensory descriptions, particularly concerning its feel and sound. For newcomers, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a well-defined and enjoyable typing experience, while the HMX SU might require further exploration to fully understand its qualities. Ultimately, both switches can provide quality experiences, albeit with different emphasis on sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the way to go; its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many find conducive to improved typing accuracy and feedback. Additionally, its sound profile—a delightful combination of clacky and marbly tones—creates an auditory experience that can be both engaging and immersive. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy the sensory aspects of typing and appreciate a responsive switch that feels and sounds lively. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX SU linear switch is designed for those who want a smooth and quiet typing experience, with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. Its subtle sound profile, combined with the linear feel, allows for uninterrupted keystrokes and a more serene workspace, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or environments where noise is a concern. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you crave tactile feedback and sound or if you want a seamless, quieter typing experience.
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