Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing needs. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is praised for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbley sound profile, making it a favorite among those who prefer a clacky, high-pitched switch with a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is known for its gentle tactile feedback and smooth actuation, offering a poppy tactility and a neutral sound signature for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Jerrzi Violet, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal to the switches, giving them a unique look. This similarity in housing material ensures that both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Violet will offer similar sound profiles and visual effects when in use.
However, a key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This shared characteristic in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities emphasizes the importance of selecting housing materials that complement each other to achieve the desired typing experience, whether it be a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is heavier at 59 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch which is lighter at 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Gateron Baby Kangaroo for its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for quicker response times, such as in gaming. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Jerrzi Violet. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, giving off a crisp and high-pitched resonance when typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, suitable for a variety of users and environments. The Baby Kangaroo switch will provide a sharper and more percussive typing experience, while the Violet switch offers a balanced and enjoyable typing sound without being too overwhelming. Ultimately, your choice of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its responsive and lively feedback. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for an enhanced typing feel. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a stepped typing experience, offering a more gradual tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. While the Baby Kangaroo switch delivers a more dynamic and energetic typing feel, the Violet switch provides a more controlled and deliberate sensation during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a sharp and resonant sound with a snappy and bouncy typing feel, ideal for those seeking a dynamic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped typing sensation, perfect for users who prefer a more controlled and deliberate typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that provides a crisp, light tactility with a distinctive sound profile, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and a gentle tactile feel with a neutral sound signature, then the Jerrzi Violet switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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