Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two unique mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. While both switches offer their own distinct features and characteristics, they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a marbley sound profile that adds a touch of elegance to your typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and decadent bassy sound that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switches have a medium-weight and a unique POM stem, contributing to a distinct gliding feel and a highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of their composition. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing. These materials contribute to distinct sound profiles for each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the Baby Kangaroo's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, with a higher-pitched tone. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles, albeit with varying characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Baby Kangaroo incorporates a nylon material, whereas the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Baby Kangaroo results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow contributes to a deep and muted sound. Therefore, in terms of sound, both switches yield similar results, with a focus on creating a deeper tone.
When a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. As a result, the Baby Kangaroo and the Sunset Yellow exhibit varying sound profiles depending on whether you press down on the key or release it. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is primarily influenced by the characteristics of the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the properties of the top housing. Thus, users can appreciate the nuanced sound experience provided by both switches due to the distinct qualities of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, while the Sunset Yellow requires 51 grams, making the latter a medium-light option.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. This is ideal for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, favoring options with heavier forces.
In terms of similarities, both switches provide a medium actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a balanced typing experience. The slight variance in force between the two switches may not significantly affect the overall typing experience for most users. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can achieve comparable results with either switch, based on their preference for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Sunset Yellow may be the better option for you due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press with a greater sense of depth, the Baby Kangaroo with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preference and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 provides a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbly sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp, snappy sound with a resonant, high-pitched tone. The sound is clean and sharp, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It produces a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This provides a satisfying and indulgent typing experience with a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Baby Kangaroo is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, while the Sunset Yellow is bassy and thocky.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy. It is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. This is likely due to lubricant applied at the factory and specific materials used in the switch. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, the Sunset Yellow is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In conclusion, both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience, but with the Baby Kangaroo being snappy and bouncy and the Sunset Yellow being creamy and frictionless.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, which is crisp, bright, percussive, and high-pitched. Its feel is characterized as snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow produces a bassy and thocky sound, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying experience. Its feel is creamy, frictionless, and polished, ensuring a smooth and buttery typing sensation. While both switches deliver a distinct experience, if you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a light switch-like tactility, the Baby Kangaroo would be a great option. If you enjoy a captivating sound profile with a rich and bassy tone, along with a creamy and frictionless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow would be a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prioritize a slightly heavier switch with a distinct tactile feedback and a crisp, bright sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. The Baby Kangaroo offers a snappy and bouncy feel, making your typing experience feel alive and responsive. The unique marbly sound, reminiscent of two billiard balls colliding, adds to the appeal of this switch.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, along with a rich, bassy sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the way to go. The Sunset Yellow provides a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The captivating sound, resembling mahjong tiles colliding, adds a touch of indulgence to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes down to personal preference. Consider the desired weight, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. It's all about finding the switch that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. Happy typing!
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