Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo V2 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique features to consider. The Baby Kangaroo V2 provides a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, giving it a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, polished characteristic. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option with a stepped, neutral categorization. While the Baby Kangaroo may appeal to those who prefer a more distinctive and snappy typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro could be the perfect choice for those looking for a balanced and comfortable typing feel. 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This similarity in top housing material ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound depth and richness. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, with the nylon contributing to a more muted and rounded sound profile.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are distributed across the switch. The bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This means that despite any differences in housing materials between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, users can anticipate a balanced and consistent typing experience from both switches.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. This makes the Violet Gold Pro a lighter option compared to the Baby Kangaroo (V2). While some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, others may opt for the heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. A shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 producing a clacky and marbly sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and resonant. This creates a crisp and bright auditory experience that can be likened to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile that caters to a wide range of users. If you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more suitable for your preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is characterized by a snappy and bouncy sensation, thanks to its super responsive nature and spring-like feedback. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feel, offering a more mild bump sensation compared to hyper tactile switches. This gives users the ability to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a unique typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to varying preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in producing a sharp, resonant sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results in typing experience with either switch by selecting the one that best aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, along with a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing experience and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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