Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactility and distinctive marbley sound profile, providing a clacky and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Type L is celebrated for its lightweight design, requiring only 45g to bottom out, and a sound signature that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a bouncy and snappy feel, the Type L provides a softer, easy-to-press sensation. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Type L switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the top housings of these switches differ, with the Baby Kangaroo (V2) featuring a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Type L switches provide contrasting auditory experiences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, more resonant sound, perfect for users looking for a crisper typing experience. In comparison, the Type L switch with its nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muffled and rounder typing experience. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Type L switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Those who prefer a sharper, more resonant sound may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound may gravitate towards the Type L switch with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in creating distinct sound profiles for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the heavier of the two. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Type L has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter choice. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Type L provides a lighter touch, suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Type L provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Type L being slightly more traditional in its depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive noise reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, with a dampened sound profile that is not completely silent but is more subtle in comparison. The Baby Kangaroo switch leans towards a high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Type L switch provides a more moderate and subdued acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is noted for its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. The keys feel polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and promotes a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and effortless typing experience. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing comfort during extended usage.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is geared towards users who enjoy a crisp and high-pitched sound with a lively and polished tactile feel. This switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch caters to individuals looking for a more neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and easy-to-press tactile feel. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbly sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a sound signature that elegantly veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, alongside a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, then the Type L linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing experience and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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