Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two mechanical keyboard switches that are both categorized as tactile switches. The Baby Kangaroo is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a unique marbley sound profile. It offers a clacky and snappy typing experience that is both bouncy and polished. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. Both switches provide satisfying feedback, but in different ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects when using either of these switches.
However, there is a difference in the bottom housing material used. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor also employs nylon in its bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users may notice slight variations in the bottom-out sound and feel when comparing these two switches.
Overall, both the Baby Kangaroo and Viola Tricolor switches provide similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing. The main discrepancy lies in their bottom housing materials, nylon in both cases. This distinction may result in slightly different bottom-out sound and feel, with the Viola Tricolor potentially producing a slightly deeper and fuller sound due to the nature of nylon. However, the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key should be comparable in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, a lighter switch is preferred by some individuals as it allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer the heavier force as it provides a more substantial typing experience.
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. In comparison, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch does not provide information about its actuation force, making it difficult to assess the exact comparison. However, its bottom out force is specified at 63.5 grams, which also falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering these details, both switches can be considered similar in terms of their bottom out force, as they both provide a medium-heavy typing experience. However, the actuation force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is unknown, making it challenging to directly compare with the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch. Ultimately, for individuals seeking a lighter switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo may be preferable due to its known actuation force, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor may be a suitable choice for those desiring a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance could be a more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the tactile experience you desire.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switch is best described as clacky and marbly. The clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive, giving it a crisp and bright sound profile. The marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, resembling the sound of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. The bassy sound offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses, with a lower frequency range. While the specific sound characteristics of each switch are not directly comparable, both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. The choice between them will depend on personal preference and the overall sound achieved with the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. The snappy feel indicates a super responsive switch, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make typing feel more alive. The bouncy feel provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. Additionally, the polished feel of these switches offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, possibly due to materials used or factory lubing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating. The accented feel refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers a satisfying feedback without crossing into extreme levels of tactility. The invigorating feel of these switches offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive and engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches possess unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a clacky and marbly sound profile, accompanied by a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing, accompanied by an accented and invigorating feel. While the specific qualities of each switch differ, both provide satisfying feedback and a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is a great choice. It provides a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile and offers a clean and sharp sound with its high-pitched and resonant characteristics. On the other hand, if you prefer a touch of character in your typing experience with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is the way to go. It strikes a perfect balance between tactility and is described as an "accented" switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming the user. It also offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, making typing on it an immersive sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for sound, tactility, and the overall typing experience you desire.
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