Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Wine Red. The Baby Kangaroo switch offers a crisp, light tactile experience that is accompanied by a distinctive marbley sound profile. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished', this switch provides a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light touch that is complemented by a deep and rich sound profile. Categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', it delivers a different key feel compared to the Baby Kangaroo switch. Both switches have their own merits, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on which switch best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
44g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Wine Red switches have similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic and clear resonant properties. Both switches also benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing that produces a distinctive sound and supports RGB lighting, both the Baby Kangaroo and the Wine Red would provide similar results.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, just like its top housing. This means that it will maintain the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Baby Kangaroo, with its nylon bottom housing, would provide a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key. Conversely, the Wine Red, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, would offer a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing of the switch influences the sound when releasing a key. Since both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they will both contribute to a distinctive sound profile when keys are released, featuring the sharper and crisper qualities associated with polycarbonate.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the KTT Wine Red switches share a polycarbonate top housing that provides similar sound profiles, their differing bottom housing materials result in variations in the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Baby Kangaroo's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound associated with polycarbonate. Nonetheless, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a distinct sound when releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it becomes clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Baby Kangaroo has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, meaning it requires more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Wine Red's lighter actuation force of 44 grams. Similarly, the Baby Kangaroo has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press the switch compared to the Wine Red's bottom out force of 55 grams. These differences in force make the Baby Kangaroo a more substantial and heavier switch, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red proves to be a lighter option, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Despite their differences, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience for users who prefer switches within this range.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KTT Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.4 mm travel distance is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Baby Kangaroo with its shorter travel distance might be the better option. On the other hand, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and prefer a more substantial key press. In this case, the Wine Red with its longer travel distance might be a more suitable choice. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the individual user.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch is best described as clacky and marbly. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and bright sound profile. Additionally, the switch is resonant and high-pitched, providing clean and sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided in the information. However, based on its description of a deep and rich sound profile, it can be assumed that it offers a bassy and low-pitched sound during key presses. Therefore, the Baby Kangaroo switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, while the Wine Red switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, catering to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished. With longer or dual-staged springs, it offers a super responsive and alive typing experience. The switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, it features a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there are no specific feel descriptors provided for the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, based on its description of a pillowy light type feel, it can be assumed that the switch offers a soft and cushioned typing experience. Therefore, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, while the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light type feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and resonant auditory experience. It also offers a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, giving a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a deep and rich sound profile, indicating a bassy and low-pitched sound during key presses. Although no specific feel descriptors are mentioned, it offers a pillowy light type feel, suggesting a soft and cushioned typing experience. While the two switches have different sound and feel characteristics, with the Baby Kangaroo being more crisp and high-pitched, and the Wine Red being more deep and bassy, they both offer unique options for keyboard enthusiasts, allowing them to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is an excellent choice. It offers a snappy and polished feel, with a bottom out force of 67 grams. The sound profile of the Baby Kangaroo is clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Wine Red delivers a bouncy and smooth typing experience. The sound profile of these switches is bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and mellow tone during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a tactile switch with a medium-heavy feel and a unique sound profile, go for the Baby Kangaroo. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light feel and a rich sound profile, the Wine Red is the way to go. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired sound and feel when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
