Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to offer two fantastic mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Jwick Taro. Both switches provide an excellent typing experience, but there are some key differences to consider. The Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp, light tactile switch with a unique marbley sound profile. It is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant feel, providing a snappy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a subdued color scheme. It offers a medium-level of snappy tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Its categorized features include a neutral, buttery, and stepped feel. Both switches have their own appeal, making the decision a matter of 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Taro switches have several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucent property of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Similarly, the switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is well-known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
However, the Baby Kangaroo and Taro differ in terms of their specific design and aesthetic. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the visual appearance may vary. It is worth noting that the top housings' role is crucial in determining the sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, even though the top and bottom housings may have different materials, both switches still exhibit similar qualities and sound profiles due to the presence of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housing components.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Taro switches share many similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. They also feature a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the visual appearance may differ, the overall sound characteristics and qualities remain comparable due to the similar use of polycarbonate and nylon. Ultimately, whether using the Baby Kangaroo or Taro switch, users can expect a high-quality typng experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unavailable, indicating that information is not known. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which places them in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. Lighter switches like the Baby Kangaroo may offer a more comfortable experience for prolonged use. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier actuation force for a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for options with heavier forces.
While the actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, it can be assumed that its bottom out force is the same as that of the Baby Kangaroo, as it is also 67 grams. Therefore, if seeking a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, both switches are expected to yield similar results.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a known actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of the Jwick Taro switch is unknown, but it shares the same bottom out force of 67 grams. The weight preference of the user will dictate whether they prefer a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm, the Taro is slightly longer than the Baby Kangaroo.
For individuals who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo may be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances to ensure quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience may find the longer travel distance of the Taro more satisfying. Longer travel distances can offer a deeper key press, which some users find more comfortable or enjoyable.
In summary, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Taro switches both have shorter travel distances, the Taro has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Baby Kangaroo's 3.4 mm. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for either a faster response time or a deeper key press 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 tactile switch offers a unique experience with its clacky and marbly profile. The clacky sound gives a sharp and snappy feel, while the marbly sound is resonant and high-pitched. This combination creates a distinct and percussive sound when typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile. It is described as having a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. While the exact sound of the Taro switch is not explicitly mentioned, its neutral description suggests a more subdued and versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience. The snappy feel is attributed to the switch's responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. This gives the typing experience a lively and dynamic sensation. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the switch adds a spring-like feedback when pressing the keys. The polished finish of the Baby Kangaroo switch further enhances its feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The stepped feature of the Taro switch adds a mild tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a more nuanced feel compared to switches with a more pronounced tactile bump.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a crisp and light tactility accompanied by a distinctive marbly sound profile. Its snappy and bouncy feel, along with the polished finish, adds to its overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, seamless feel with a stepped tactile sensation. While the exact sound profile of the Taro switch is not explicitly described, its neutral nature suggests a versatile and comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and would appeal to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's desired sound and feel. If a similar typing experience to the Baby Kangaroo switch is preferred, the Taro switch would provide a comparable result with its smooth and fluid keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a crisp, light switch-like tactility and enjoys a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category. In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo switches are clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, giving you a sharp, clean, and immersive auditory experience. When it comes to feel, they are snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a responsive, lively, and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a suitable option for you. Similar to the Baby Kangaroo, these switches also have a bottom out force of 67 grams, falling within the medium-heavy category. The Taro switches are described as neutral in terms of sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and users. In terms of feel, they are buttery and stepped, offering a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile bump and some pre-travel or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Jwick Taro tactile switches depends on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and feel. Both switches offer their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you desire. Whether you prefer a crisp, light switch with a marbley sound and snappy, bouncy feel, or a medium-level tactility with acute clacks and a smooth, buttery keystroke, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
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