Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable tactile switches—Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Gazzew U4Tx RGB—offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its crisp, light tactility and a distinct "marbley" sound profile that provides a playful and engaging typing experience, categorized by descriptors like 'Clacky' and 'Snappy.' This switch can be an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB focuses on delivering a luxurious typing experience through its deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a quiet topping out, alongside a sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for users who prefer a more refined and subtle auditory profile without sacrificing tactile feedback. Both switches have their distinct advantages that cater to a range of typing styles and personal preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, distinct differences emerge that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall performance. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. This material's stiffer nature contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, offering a clear resonance that many enthusiasts appreciate, particularly in RGB setups where the light can shine through the clear housing. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This blend provides a softer feel and promotes a richer and deeper sound profile, making the typing experience notably different from that of the polycarbonate top. As a result, while both switches can achieve satisfying acoustic outcomes, the type of sound and resonance they produce varies substantially.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ soft materials that contribute to their deep sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) uses nylon for its bottom housing, which is considered traditional in the switch community. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, creating a fuller, more rounded tone during key presses. In a similar vein, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing mirrors this approach, further enhancing the rich sound by leveraging the material's softness. Regardless of the specific formulations, both switches benefit from the same foundational quality of sound absorption and depth, indicating that they share a common characteristic in their bottom housings that enhances the overall typing experience.
The differing top and bottom housing materials result in distinctive acoustic signatures during use. The Baby Kangaroo's polycarbonate top generates a brighter, crisper sound on key release while the nylon bottom delivers a deep, muted tone on bottom-out. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary blend on both the top and bottom contributes to a harmonious richness where both the keypress and release experience feel cohesive in sound. Thus, despite their varying materials, enthusiasts can expect comparable results in terms of an engaging typing experience with deep sound profiles, presenting a balance between the qualities brought forth by the top and bottom housings of both switches.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of bottom out force, with the Baby Kangaroo registering at 67 grams while the U4Tx RGB is slightly lighter at 65 grams, making it the preferable option for users who appreciate a lighter touch during typing. However, the actuation forces reveal a notable difference; the Baby Kangaroo has a defined actuation force of 59 grams, whereas the actuation force for the U4Tx RGB is unspecified. This lack of information on the U4Tx RGB means we cannot make a direct comparison regarding how it feels to trigger a keystroke in contrast to the Baby Kangaroo. Therefore, while the U4Tx RGB may provide a slightly softer experience when bottoming out, the Baby Kangaroo offers a more tangible actuation feel, catering to those who prefer a stronger push in their typing experience. Thus, users may find the Baby Kangaroo to be better suited for substantial keystrokes, while the U4Tx RGB might appeal to those who value a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two can come down to personal preference: those who enjoy a snappier response should opt for the shorter Baby Kangaroo (V2), while those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the U4Tx RGB switch.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches, the Baby Kangaroo is particularly characterized by its bright, clacky sound that resonates with a marbly quality. This switch offers a crisp and sharp auditory experience, providing an engaging symphony with each keystroke. Users can anticipate a mix of high-pitched and resonant tones that capture attention during typing sessions. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has not been detailed extensively in terms of sound characteristics, which leaves some uncertainty regarding its auditory performance relative to the Baby Kangaroo. It’s worth noting that the sound produced by any switch will also vary based on the typing surface and keycap materials used.
In terms of tactile feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy and bouncy response, embodying a lively typing experience. The switch offers a polished action, suggesting a smoothness that stems from high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing. This combination results in a switch that feels both responsive and engaging, making each keypress enjoyable. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, unfortunately, lacks detailed descriptors for its tactile feel, which makes it challenging to discern how it compares to the Baby Kangaroo in this regard.
Overall, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) showcases a distinctively bright sound profile and a lively tactile experience with its snappy, polished features, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB remains an enigma in these aspects. Until more specific details are available regarding its sound and feel, those opting for the Baby Kangaroo can be assured of a vibrant typing experience. For a newcomer, if sound and tactile feedback are crucial, investing in the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would provide clear results, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's qualities remain to be explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a crisp and lively typing feel, characterized by snappy responsiveness and a bouncy feedback, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be your best bet. Its unique marbly and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, creating a joyful and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a more refined auditory profile and experience a deeper "thock" coupled with a stylish tactile bump, the U4Tx RGB is likely the better choice for you. Its subtle sound characteristics make it ideal for quieter environments or for those who wish to type comfortably without excessive noise. Ultimately, consider your preferences for sound, feedback, and overall typing feel; this will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your mechanical keyboard journey.
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