Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be overwhelmed by the range of options available. Two popular choices to consider are the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock White Lotus, both of which fall under the category of tactile switches. The Baby Kangaroo is known for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbley sound profile, providing a clacky, resonant, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. It also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock White Lotus both feature different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles when typing. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel without compromising on the sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both the Baby Kangaroo and the White Lotus benefit from this characteristic, resulting in a more immersive typing experience.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and the White Lotus have different materials for their top and bottom housings, they still provide similar results. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the two switches offer different weight options. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Baby Kangaroo is 67 grams, whereas the White Lotus requires a lighter force of 56 grams for bottoming out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus switch would be the ideal choice as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
It is important to note that although the forces differ between the two switches, they both fall within the medium weight range. Therefore, if one is seeking a similar typing experience, they can expect comparable results from both switches, albeit with slight variations in force requirements. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Durock White Lotus switch would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see that there is a difference in their distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance compared to the White Lotus. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the White Lotus falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.4 mm of the Baby Kangaroo is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Baby Kangaroo a potential choice for them. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 tactile switch offers a unique experience. It is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy. This gives the typing experience a crisp and bright quality. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo has a marbly sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. These switches also have a high-pitched and resonant sound, adding to the immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a different sound experience. These switches are described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile of the White Lotus is neutral, providing a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, or using them at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch delivers a snappy and bouncy typing experience. These switches are highly responsive due to their longer or dual-staged springs, making the keys feel more alive. They also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press feel. These switches have gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus has a mild and subtle typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel to most users, without any pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Baby Kangaroo provides a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, while delivering a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, along with an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as well as their specific typing needs and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is the better choice for you. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a snappy and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, then the Durock White Lotus switch is the way to go. It offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, along with an easy-to-press and mild feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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