Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence both your typing experience and overall enjoyment. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a tactile feel with its crisp actuation and notable marbly sound profile, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate feedback and a bit of auditory satisfaction. The Baby Kangaroo switch is celebrated for its characteristically clacky and polished sound, providing both snappiness and a bouncy feel that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch designed for users seeking unparalleled smoothness and stability. With its long-pole stem and extended spring, the Taichi delivers a serene experience, emphasized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound that adds a unique element to each keystroke. Choosing between the tactile responsiveness of the Baby Kangaroo and the seamless elegance of the Bsun Taichi ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Taichi, one notable similarity emerges in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top, which significantly influences the acoustics and aesthetics of the switches. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for creating a clear and resonant auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing visual appeal when the switches are illuminated. Thus, both switches will deliver a bright sound characteristic that complements vibrant lighting setups, leading to an overall enhanced typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Taichi both employ nylon, which distinctly alters the auditory experience and feel during typing. Nylon's soft plastic properties generate a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves, resulting in a softer and more rounded acoustic output. This made the sound signature more muted compared to the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top. Consequently, while both switch designs benefit from the vibrant sound and lighting of polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing contributes a unique contrast by providing a more subdued auditory feedback that balances out the brightness of the top housing.
Overall, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Taichi leads to a nuanced typing experience that balances sharpness with depth. While the top housings of both switches generate a similar crisp sound profile, the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottoms create an engaging architectural structure to the overall auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a typing sound that is complex and layered, marrying the qualities of each material for a satisfactory result whether typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction in feel and feedback emerges. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) boasts a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, requiring a more substantial push to register a keystroke, while the Bsun Taichi features a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference in actuation force caters to varied preferences: typists seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use might gravitate towards the Taichi, while those who enjoy a more forceful and tactile experience may prefer the Baby Kangaroo. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Bsun Taichi is unknown, leaving some ambiguity regarding its end-of-travel feel. The Baby Kangaroo, with a bottom out force of 67 grams, confirms its overall heavier tactile experience. Thus, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a firmer typing experience ideal for users who appreciate a significant tactile feedback, the Bsun Taichi provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Baby Kangaroo measuring 3.4 mm and the Taichi slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, the Baby Kangaroo provides a shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Taichi, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial keypress that some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a fuller feeling during typing. For those who are sensitive to switch weight and travel distance preferences, opting for the Baby Kangaroo could lead to a snappier experience, whereas the Taichi might be favored for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 (V2) tactile switch delivers a unique auditory experience characterized by its crisp, light tactility, producing a marbly sound profile. This switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, making the typing experience engaging and lively. The marbly quality gives it a clean and resonant tone, reminiscent of colliding billiard balls or a solid tap on marble, resulting in a high-pitched auditory profile that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. While specific descriptors of the Taichi's sound aren’t provided, the emphasis on smoothness indicates it may prioritize a softer, less percussive note at bottom-out, presenting a quieter typing experience compared to the Baby Kangaroo.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics. The snappy feedback, attributed to its responsive mechanism, and the bouncy sensation create a lively typing experience that encourages quick and comfortable keystrokes. This is complemented by a polished feel that suggests a smooth and refined key travel, reduced friction, and effective factory lubing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch remain unknown, leaving an undefined gap in this comparison. However, most linear switches typically offer a smooth and consistent actuation without tactile feedback, which is a contrast to the tactile and responsive qualities of the Baby Kangaroo.
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Bsun Taichi switches present distinct experiences for users. The Baby Kangaroo stands out with its engaging auditory and tactile qualities, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who seek a responsive, dynamic feel. The Taichi, while lacking in concrete descriptions, seems to focus more on delivering smoothness and stability, indicative of what linear switches can offer. Depending on individual preferences, users might gravitate towards the engaging sounds and feels of the Baby Kangaroo, while those seeking a more subdued and refined typing experience might be drawn to the Bsun Taichi. Users can expect differing outcomes based on their preferences and desired experiences in mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feel combined with a crisp, resonant sound that is both snappy and bouncy, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance that enhances your typing experience, especially for those who appreciate feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with an enchanting, high-pitched bottom-out sound, then the Bsun Taichi linear switch might be more suitable. The Taichi's design emphasizes unparalleled smoothness and stability, making it ideal for users who prioritize a consistent keystroke without tactile interruptions. In short, let your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience guide your choice between these two distinct and engaging options.
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