Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the distinct characteristics that different switches offer. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), a tactile switch, stands out for its crisp, light tactility and a marbly sound profile that creates a unique auditory experience with each keystroke. Its categorized traits—clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished—make it an appealing option for typists who enjoy both feedback and sound. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, is renowned for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a smooth and slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the signature clack that fans of HMX switches love. Given these characteristics, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) might be ideal for those who seek tactile feedback and an engaging sound, while the HMX Twilight is more suitable for users prioritizing a quieter, fluid feel without sacrificing responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that best fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Twilight, distinct differences emerge between the top housings of each switch. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This quality translates into a more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who value an audible and clear keystroke experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by its softer material that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Thus, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) can deliver a bright and clear auditory experience, the Twilight leans towards a more muted and rounded tone, appealing to users who prefer a softer sound.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon materials. This resemblance creates a foundation for a similarly deep and rich sound profile in both switches when it comes to the bottoming-out experience. With the nylon bottom housing in the Baby Kangaroo (V2) providing a duller, more absorbed sound while typing, it harmonizes with the top housing's characteristics. The Twilight's nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to this fuller auditory experience, ensuring that both switches deliver on the tactile feel associated with nylon. Ultimately, while their top housings differ significantly, the use of nylon in the bottom houses helps align their overall acoustic qualities.
Ultimately, the balancing act of contrasting materials between the top and bottom housings suggests that the auditory experience will be distinctly influenced by the specific construction of each switch. With the Baby Kangaroo (V2)’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users can expect a high-pitched initial keystroke followed by a rounded bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight combines a softer upper experience with the same rounded bottom-out characteristic due to its nylon housing. Consequently, both switches, despite their individual approaches to sound production, offer users a unique yet potentially harmonious experience depending on which aspect of sound and feel they prioritize. These differences and similarities allow for a versatile choice among users depending on whether they seek clarity or depth in their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Twilight more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, while the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with its heavier resistance. With the actuation and bottom out forces differing considerably, users will find that each switch caters to distinct preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference underscores a key preference in mechanical switches: the Baby Kangaroo, with its more compact travel, caters to users who favor quick response times, making it ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight's greater travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial feel in your keystrokes.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 a unique profile characterized by its clacky and marbly qualities. The switch produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound—a crisp auditory response that can enhance the typing experience and evoke an engaging atmosphere. The high-pitched resonance adds a clean and immersive quality to the auditory feedback, akin to the sound of solid marble striking another object. In comparison, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to offer a quieter operation thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which can make for a more subdued typing experience. However, details regarding the specific sound profile of the Twilight are less defined, leaving some unknowns about its audible characteristics in practice.
Feel is where the Baby Kangaroo (V2) really shines brilliantly, offering a snappy, bouncy response that invigorates each keystroke. The snappy nature means users experience a highly responsive feedback, while the bouncy aspect provides a satisfying rebound effect when keys are activated, fostering a lively typing sensation. Coupled with a polished finish, the switch promises a smooth and refined key travel, minimizing friction for an effortless typing experience. The HMX Twilight's tactile feel characteristics are not specified, resulting in an unknown comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) presents a vivid sound and a dynamic feel that many typists cherish, the auditory profile of the HMX Twilight switch remains ambiguous, leaning towards a more muted sound due to its design. Its tactile feel characteristics are also not well-defined, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Ultimately, if you prefer a spirited and engaging typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be your go-to choice, while the Twilight might appeal more to those who favor quieter key presses, even though specific tactile details are unverified.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch should hinge on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you favor a medium-heavy tactile feel with a pronounced response, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) shines with its snappy tactile feedback and a distinct marbly, clacky sound profile that can heighten your typing experience, especially for tasks like coding or creative writing where tactile feedback is beneficial. Its resonant qualities also make it a joy for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, smooth key press without the tactile bump, the HMX Twilight linear switch might be the better fit. With its extended travel distance and quieter operation, it's excellent for long typing sessions or gaming, where swift movements and subtle key presses are crucial. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your personal preferences in sound, feel, and application, as this will guide you to the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
