Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

We are super excited to introduce you to two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gazzew U4. Both offer a tactile typing experience, but each brings its own unique characteristics to the table. The Baby Kangaroo switches are renowned for their crisp and light tactility, accompanied by a distinctive marbley sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches feature a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4s boast a whisper-quiet sound profile. These general qualities make both switches worthy contenders for your consideration; however, let's delve deeper into their specific traits to help you determine which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gazzew U4 switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4 switch also uses a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares the same rich and deep sound profile as the top housing due to its softness. This "boba plastic" material contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Gazzew U4 are made from different materials, each housing material brings unique qualities to the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of the Gazzew blend or nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing, whether it's polycarbonate or the Gazzew blend, has a greater influence on the sound when releasing the key. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences, with the Gateron Baby Kangaroo providing a sharper and crisper sound, while the Gazzew U4 delivers a rich and deep sound due to its "boba plastic" housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it becomes clear that there are noticeable differences. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a higher actuation force, requiring 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, compared to the U4 switch which only needs 43 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo switch is heavier, requiring 67 grams of force compared to the U4 switch which needs 62 grams.

In terms of weight, the Gazzew U4 switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be ideal for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as office workers or avid gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch provides a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can create a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile and forceful keystroke.

It is important to note that while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch has a higher actuation and bottom out force, it still falls within the medium-heavy range. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 switch has a medium actuation and bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of forces but with slight differences may find both switches to meet their requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. In comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the discrepancy is minimal, it may impact the typing feel ever so slightly.

For those who prefer a more traditional typing experience, where the keys have a moderate travel distance, the Gazzew U4 may be the better option, as it has a slightly longer travel distance. On the other hand, if speed and responsiveness are of utmost importance, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo's slightly shorter travel distance may be more appealing, particularly for gamers seeking faster response times.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. Those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced keypress may find the longer travel distance of the U4 to be more satisfying. Conversely, individuals who prefer a shallower, more concise typing experience may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance provided by the Baby Kangaroo. In either case, both switches offer a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, and users can expect similar overall results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. They also have a resonant, high-pitched sound that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. They also have a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for its snappy and bouncy feel. These switches are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, which makes the typing experience feel more alive. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. These switches offer a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress. However, further information on the overall feel of the Gazzew U4 switches is not provided.

Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switches have a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a crisp, bright, percussive, and resonant sound experience. They also offer a snappy, bouncy feel with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound with a low-pitched tone. They offer a sharp tactile bump for high feedback intensity, but further information on their overall feel is unknown. Depending on personal preference, users may choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switches for a more lively and resonant sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, or the Gazzew U4 switches for a quieter sound with a sharp tactile bump.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump and an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be your best bet.

In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo switch is clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, producing a sharp, resonant, and clean sound profile. If you enjoy a crisp and bright sound, this switch is for you. On the other hand, the U4 switch is described as muted and low-pitched, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the U4 switch is the way to go.

When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a super responsive, spring-like feedback sensation with smooth key travel. The U4 switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high intensity feedback with each keypress.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and feel. Consider the characteristics that resonate with you the most and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more