Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth comparing and contrasting are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch. The Baby Kangaroo is highly regarded for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and unique marbley sound profile. With a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, it offers a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine is known for taking typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. This is partly attributed to its rare UHWMPE housings, ensuring each keystroke is a pleasure. Although it also produces a fairly high-pitched clack, its main focus lies in providing a frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, and polished experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TKC Tangerine switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetics. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers a unique brightness.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of these switches also differ in their sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. Despite their differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom-out and release sounds. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the overall sound experience of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the TKC Tangerine switches will be influenced by both their top and bottom housing materials, providing users with unique typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation forces. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo has an actuation force of 59 grams, whereas the actuation force of the TKC Tangerine is unavailable. While we don't have the specific force for the Tangerine, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range to the Baby Kangaroo or is possibly lighter. With regard to bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo has a higher force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. In comparison, the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to increase typing stamina during extended periods of use, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. The lighter weight allows for easier actuation and potentially reduces fatigue. On the other hand, there are those who seek a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a greater tactile feedback and a sense of solidity. These individuals would opt for switches with heavier actuation or bottom out forces.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the TKC Tangerine switch is unknown, it can be presumed to be lighter than the 59-gram actuation force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Tangerine being slightly lighter at 62 grams compared to the Baby Kangaroo's 67 grams.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it's evident that the Tangerine has a longer distance at 4 mm, while the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter distance at 3.4 mm. 4.0 mm is the most traditional travel distance, offering a familiar and comfortable feel when typing. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker activations and can enhance gaming performance. However, it's worth noting that some individuals may find the abruptness of shorter travel distances to be less satisfying. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the TKC Tangerine with its longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is best known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, which provides a satisfying typing experience. When using these switches, you can expect a unique sound profile that is described as both clacky and marbly. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving it a crisp and percussive quality. On the other hand, the marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. These switches offer a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a brighter and sharper sound profile.
On the other hand, the TkC Tangerine linear switch is best known for its incredibly smooth feel, which enhances the typing experience. The use of UHWMPE housings makes these switches unique and contributes to their overall smoothness. When typing on the Tangerine switches, you can expect a fairly high-pitched clack sound, which adds to the tactile feedback. The sound is sharp and crisp, providing a pleasing auditory experience. These switches offer a frictionless and buttery typing sensation, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The polished finish of the switch adds to the sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a unique combination of clacky and marbly sound profiles, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. It offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth feel with a fairly high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless and buttery typing sensation. The use of UHWMPE housings contributes to the overall smoothness and polished finish adds to the sleekness of the typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches may differ, both of them provide enjoyable and unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo is clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharp and percussive sound when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value an incredibly smooth typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be a great option. These switches feature UHWMPE housings, resulting in a frictionless and buttery feel when typing. The sound profile of the Tangerine is high-pitched, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when pressing the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and select accordingly. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
