Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to introduce two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, each offering unique qualities for different typing experiences. The Baby Kangaroo is a tactile switch renowned for its crisp and light tactility, resulting in a satisfying keystroke. Users will also enjoy its distinctive marbley sound profile, adding another layer of enjoyment to their typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for maximum RGB lighting customization, enhancing the visual appeal of your keyboard. Furthermore, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and ensures a buttery smooth keystroke. While these general pointers give you a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's dive deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. In terms of aesthetics, these switches offer a visually appealing clear housing that is commonly associated with polycarbonate. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and lighting when it comes to the top housing.
However, there is a difference in the bottom housings of these switches. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings that creates a very bright sound signature. This material offers resonant clacks when typing on switches equipped with such housings. Therefore, while both switches have variations in their bottom housing materials, they will provide distinct sound profiles when being used.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials will play a role. The impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or UHWMPE, will be felt when you press down on the switch and in the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate for both switches, will have more of an impact on the sound when you release a key. This distinction allows for a balanced experience that combines the qualities of different housing materials to create a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Aurora Clear, as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo offers a slightly stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and the intended usage when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force in the medium-heavy range.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Baby Kangaroo offers a more compact and responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance. This makes it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly deeper and more substantial keystroke experience with its slightly longer travel distance. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and some may find the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's desired level of responsiveness and depth in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the sound profiles differ. The Baby Kangaroo switch is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. It also has a resonant and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is simply described as high-pitched. Both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound, but the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a more varied and dynamic sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is characterized as snappy, bouncy, and polished. It offers a super responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback and a lively feel. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also has a polished finish and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo switch has a more varied sound profile, including a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound. It also provides a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches ensure reduced friction and smooth key travel due to their polished finishes. Overall, if you prefer a more dynamic and varied sound profile and a snappy and lively typing experience, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is the better choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and more uniform sound and a fluid and effortless typing sensation, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo may be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky and marbly sound, along with its snappy and bouncy feel, can provide a unique and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear might be the better option. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and lightly lubed POM stem, this switch offers a buttery and mild feel, complemented by a clean and sharp high-pitched sound. Ultimately, consider your desired sound and feel characteristics, as well as any specific requirements such as RGB lighting customization, to make an informed decision on which switch suits your preferences best.
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