Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and usage styles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2), with its tactile feedback, provides a crisp and light switch feel, characterized by a unique marbly sound that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. Its "clacky" and "bouncy" qualities make it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile response that signals when a key is actuated, allowing for a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, designed specifically with gamers in mind, favors speed with an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm. This switch offers a smooth push feel and a bright, clacky sound profile, ideal for rapid-fire keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. While both switches have their own appeal—one for tactile enjoyment and the other for speed and smoothness—understanding their unique features can help you make an informed decision for your own needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This rigidity allows for a crisp sound that is particularly accentuated when RGB lighting is used since the clear polycarbonate enhances the illumination effect. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer, more absorbent properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which inherently has a rounder quality due to nylon's ability to dampen sound vibrations, providing a completely different auditory experience.
Looking at the bottom housings reveals an interesting consistency between these two switches, as both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Vintage Citrus use nylon. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will elicit a similar deep and rounded sound experience from the bottom housing. When typing on either switch, the feel will be influenced by the softer nylon material, which creates a concurrent sound quality during the bottoming out action. This aspect ensures that users will likely feel and hear the fullness typical of nylon regardless of the contrasting characteristics of the top housings.
In summary, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and HMX Vintage Citrus switches present different sound profiles through their respective top housings, the similarity in their bottom housing material mitigates some of these disparities. The polycarbonate top of the Baby Kangaroo gives it an auditory sharpness that starkly contrasts with the mellower tones from the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus. However, since both switches share nylon in the bottom housing, they will harmonize in the deeper sound experience during a key press. This blend of materials highlights how the individual qualities of switch housings can interact to yield both unique and consistent experiences based on their design characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a distinct contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. 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 comparison, the Vintage Citrus boasts a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that the Baby Kangaroo requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, being lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, is suited for those looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. Thus, while both switches have their unique attributes, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a heavier feel than the lighter HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus comes in at a shorter distance of 3 mm. This means that those who prefer more depth and a tactile feedback might favor the Baby Kangaroo (V2), whereas gamers or users seeking quicker response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the sensation and responsiveness of key presses.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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) switch delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its clacky and marbly sound profile. The clackiness provides a sharp and snappy tone that resonates well, appealing to those who prefer a brighter, more percussive sound. Additionally, the marbly aspect contributes high-pitched resonance, reminiscent of a crisp collision between billiard balls, creating an immersive auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch lacks detailed sound quality descriptors, leaving its acoustic characteristics largely unknown. However, being a switch designed for rapid-fire gaming, it is likely to produce an energetic sound profile conducive to fast-paced gameplay.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is known for its excellent tactile feedback, described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappiness translates into an engaging and responsive experience, often enhanced by its longer or dual-staged springs. The bouncy sensation adds to the lively nature of the typing experience, providing a satisfying rebound upon activation. The polished finish contributes to smoothness and reduced friction, making each keypress feel refined. Meanwhile, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is not detailed, so we cannot compare its tactile feedback or responsiveness. This ambiguity leaves an important gap in understanding how it would match up against the tactile characteristics of the Baby Kangaroo.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch is a well-defined option with clear auditory and tactile attributes, making it suitable for users who enjoy both a pronounced sound and an engaging typing experience. Its combination of clacky brightness and polished feedback distinguishes it in the tactile category. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, while designed for speed, lacks specific descriptors in both sound and feel. This absence of information makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons, but both switches may provide enjoyable experiences depending on user preference, though the Baby Kangaroo offers more substantial details for those discerning about their keyboard selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers snappy responsiveness and a unique combination of clacky and marbly sound profiles that make it particularly enjoyable for both typing and casual gaming. This switch is ideal for those who favor a tactile feedback sensation and a more pronounced auditory experience, which can enhance your typing pleasure during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking speed and precision, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its exceptionally low actuation force and rapid-fire capability, making it perfect for quick key presses and competitive gameplay. Its bright, clacky sound profile complements its smooth push feel, ensuring that your keystrokes feel swift and effortless. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback for general use or a lightweight, speedy response for gaming.
Mentioned in this article
