Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

We are super excited to be offering two distinctive mechanical keyboard switches - the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Baby Kangaroo switch delivers a crisp, light switch-like tactility that creates a satisfying marbley sound profile. It is known for being clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a gratifying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, making it buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch choice for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is transparent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Both the Baby Kangaroo and the Tourmaline Blue benefit from these qualities, providing a consistent and satisfying auditory experience.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ in their material choices. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, enabling it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder tone. This characteristic contributes to a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this material choice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch.

The distinction between the top and bottom housings means that the sound and feel of pressing down on the switch and releasing a key will be influenced by different housing materials. While the bottom housing has a more prominent impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect nuanced auditory feedback from both the Baby Kangaroo and the Tourmaline Blue, with each switch emphasizing different aspects of their housing materials to provide a unique typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is worth noting that both switches have identical actuation forces and bottom out forces. Both switches require 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls under the category of medium-heavy. Therefore, if weight is a consideration, both switches would provide similar results in terms of typing experience. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, making the Baby Kangaroo or Tourmaline Blue suitable options. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Baby Kangaroo and Tourmaline Blue switches are identical, providing a consistent typing experience for users.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance than the Baby Kangaroo. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue is more in line with the traditional standard, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo falls on the shallower end. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prefer quicker response times. So if you prioritize response speed, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch delivers a satisfying and unique experience. It is known for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. The clacky nature of these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The marbly characteristic adds a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. These higher-pitched sound profiles make the Baby Kangaroo switches a great choice for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound, suitable for most purposes and environments. Keep in mind that the sound profile can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Baby Kangaroo switches are a great option, while the Tourmaline Blues offer a more neutral sound.

Moving on to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches provide a tactile feedback that can be characterized as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy nature of these switches makes them super responsive, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs. This enhances the typing experience, making it feel more alive. Additionally, the bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, offering a rebound effect when pressed. Lastly, the polished aspect indicates that the switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches have a light actuation force, making them easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild nature of the switches means that they offer a gentle typing experience, appealing to a wider range of users. Overall, if you prefer a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are a great fit, while the Tourmaline Blues offer a smooth and low-impact typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switches have a clacky and marbly sound profile, with a high-pitched and resonant nature, while the Tourmaline Blues provide a neutral sound suitable for most purposes. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are snappy, bouncy, and polished, offering a responsive and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blues are buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and comfortable typing sensation. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the switches that best suit your desired sound and feel. It's important to note that the ultimate typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo would be a great choice for you. It offers a crisp and light tactile feel, along with a marbley sound profile, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo switches are known for their clacky and marbly sound, as well as their snappy and polished feel. However, if you prefer a linear switch with the same bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a better fit. These switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With their lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Overall, it ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more