Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, tactile and linear options can cater to a variety of typing preferences, making the choice between them significant for users. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch, delivers an exciting typing experience with its crisp, light tactility and a distinctive marbly sound profile that invigorates each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy feedback while typing, contributing to a lively and engaging experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its linear characteristics, offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, ideal for users seeking a quieter, uninterrupted flow in their typing or gaming tasks. While the Baby Kangaroo may appeal to individuals who relish auditory and tactile feedback, the Tomcat's seamless actuation caters to those who prioritize a more muted sound profile without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a striking similarity in their choice of housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches leverage polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's relatively stiff nature. This stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound when the key is released, enhancing the auditory feedback that typists often seek. Additionally, both switches promote the aesthetic appeal of translucency, making them suitable choices for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting, as the light can shine through this material effectively.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals more differences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties enable it to absorb sound better than stiffer plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound experience as keys are pressed down. While this consistency in materials at the bottom promotes a similar auditory feedback among both switches, it’s essential to remember that the nuances of how they feel during typing can still differ slightly based on the assembly and design specifics that each manufacturer has selected.
In essence, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employ the same housing materials leading to comparable sound dynamics, the overall typing experience can vary due to factors such as assembly, specific design features, and tolerances. The combination of psychological and physical factors in switch design influences how typists perceive the actuation and release, meaning that while sound characteristics may align closely between these models, individual preferences in feel and performance will likely lead users to favor one over the other. Therefore, despite the shared material qualities contributing to a similar auditory experience, personal compatibility with each switch's unique characteristics will ultimately define the user's choice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, compared to the Tomcat (Heavy), which requires only 55 grams to actuate. This suggests that the Tomcat switch may be better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it a good option for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 64 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, but the Baby Kangaroo is the heavier option overall. Therefore, users seeking a more responsive and lighter switch may gravitate towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), while those who prefer a sturdier feel may favor the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Baby Kangaroo the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. In contrast, the Tomcat’s longer travel distance could be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial key press, providing a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, individuals must consider their personal preferences regarding key travel to determine which switch will suit their typing or gaming style better.
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 Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its crisp, sharp auditory profile that can be categorized as clacky. It produces a marbley resonance, which gives it a high-pitched and clean sound reminiscent of a well-tapped billiard ball or polished marble. This combination of crispness and resonance makes for a distinctly cheerful auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a resonant sound profile, but specific descriptors beyond that are not provided, making it less clear how it compares to the vivid auditory characteristics of the Baby Kangaroo. Thus, you might find the Tomcat less engaging in sound, effectively making it a quieter presence when typing.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a delightful tactile experience, described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappiness provides immediate feedback with every keystroke, encouraging fast typing without feeling bulky, while the bouncy nature gives a lively rebound that enhances the overall experience. The polished finish promises a smooth journey for your fingers with reduced friction, making the switch feel refined and responsive. The tactile sensation from the Baby Kangaroo (V2) makes it stand out in typing engagements, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) lacks specific descriptors for feel, leaving its tactile qualities unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) presents a compelling combination of both sound and feel, featuring a lively clacky sound and a highly responsive tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), while noted for its resonant sound, falls short in detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback. If you desire a more engaging and lively typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) promises to deliver, while the Tomcat's qualities remain a blank canvas in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound characteristics. If you lean towards a lively, responsive feel with tactile feedback, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice, offering a crisp, snappy tactile response complemented by its charming marbly sound profile. This makes it particularly great for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience or engage in activities like gaming where quick feedback is beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action without tactile bumps, and you're looking for a more subdued sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch might be your go-to option. With its ly stems ensuring a super smooth touch, this switch is perfect for typing scenarios where you value speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a tactile and auditory experience or a linear, smooth typing environment.
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