Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the specific qualities that suit your typing style and preferences. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch that offers a crisp, light tactility and a unique marbley sound profile. Known for being clacky, high-pitched, and bouncy, this switch provides a snappy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch that boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring design. With a bottom-out weight of 55g, these switches are comfortably medium-light and categorized as low-pitched and mild. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow are quite similar as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housings, both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
While both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon's softer properties absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a distinct typing experience for users, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. However, the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced upon key release.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Windy Shadow may have similar polycarbonate top housings, producing sharp and clear sound profiles ideal for RGB lighting. However, their nylon bottom housings offer a unique typing experience, with nylon's softer properties creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. Whether typing on the Baby Kangaroo (V2) or the Windy Shadow, users can expect a combination of different sound profiles resulting from the top and bottom housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Windy Shadow is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 55 grams, while the Baby Kangaroo is heavier at 67 grams. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, which is in the medium-heavy range, compared to the Windy Shadow which has an unknown actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Windy Shadow more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, choosing the appropriate switch would depend on personal preference and intended usage, with lighter options being favored for extended use and heavier options for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Baby Kangaroo being the shorter of the two. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 best suited for those who enjoy a clacky and marbly sound profile, characterized by sharp and crisp tones with a resonant quality. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the lively and bright sound of the Baby Kangaroo or the smooth and gentle sound of the Windy Shadow.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its snappy and bouncy feel, offering a responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures a smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Users who prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo, while those who prefer a softer touch may opt for the Windy Shadow.
Considering all the available information, users looking for a tactile switch with a vibrant and resonant sound, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, may find the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) to be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a linear switch with a neutral and mellow sound profile, coupled with a mild and gentle typing experience, might gravitate towards the Aflion Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light tactility along with a unique marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile combined with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feel and sound of the switch or the linear feel and sound when choosing between these two options. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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