Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is celebrated for its crisp and light tactility, combined with a marbley sound profile that many enthusiasts find both engaging and satisfying. Its characteristics are often described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a polished typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, excels in delivering a blend of refinement and smoothness, with a bright and clacky sound signature that enhances overall key feel. This switch is particularly appealing for those who seek a silky keystroke, making it a tremendous option for both casual users and dedicated gamers. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, making the decision quite subjective. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to a sound profile that is sharper and crisper, enhancing the keypress feedback with a higher-pitched resonance. This characteristic is particularly beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective light diffusion, elevating the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Since both switches employ polycarbonate in the top housing, users can expect a comparable sound experience when engaging with either switch, with an emphasis on clarity and vibrancy in their auditory feedback.
In contrast to their identical top housing material, the bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the WS Dash employ nylon, a material known for its unique acoustic properties that differ from the polycarbonate above. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can create a more muted, rounded bottom-out experience when the switch is engaged, adding a layer of richness to the overall sound profile. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, their interactions with the top polycarbonate housings will blend in a way that enhances the overall typing experience, though the tonal quality will remain distinct due to the nylon's characteristics.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and Wuque Studio WS Dash creates a balanced sound profile. The brighter, crisper tones from the polycarbonate top housing are beautifully complemented by the deeper, fuller sounds generated by the nylon bottom housing. Users can anticipate a cohesive auditory experience in both switches, characterized by high-pitched clarity during key release and a rounded resonance upon actuation. Each switch will deliver a unique yet harmoniously intertwined sound landscape, showcasing the strengths of their respective materials while providing a consistent and satisfying typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash offers a significantly lighter actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch that can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, while the Baby Kangaroo provides a firmer tactile feedback, the WS Dash allows for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you enjoy a heavier feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be the way to go, whereas if you favor a lighter touch, the WS Dash would better suit your needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we observe a slight difference; the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Dash measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its longer travel distance, might be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the choice between them will come down to personal preference regarding the desired depth and response of the keypress. Hence, while both switches provide different tactile responses due to their travel distances, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the shorter option, offering a snappier feel compared to the WS Dash.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 sound profiles of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) presents a unique auditory experience characterized by its crisp, marbley sound, which blends a bright and clacky quality with resonant high pitches. This combination can create an immersive experience, akin to striking a solid object, yielding a clean and sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound signature of the WS Dash hall effect switch is bright and clacky, making it lively as well. While the exact nuances of the WS Dash's sound profile are not fully detailed, it's safe to say both switches provide a lively auditory experience, though the Baby Kangaroo's marbly elements might give it an edge for those who appreciate complex sound textures.
In terms of tactile feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its snappy and bouncy response, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. The polished finish of the switch also enhances its smoothness, allowing for fluid keystrokes that reduce friction during use. Given that the tactile feedback of the WS Dash switch has not been specified, it’s unknown how it would compare in terms of responsiveness and overall feel. However, given that both switches aim to enhance typing experiences in different ways, the Baby Kangaroo's tactile qualities might be more pronounced or enjoyable for users who prioritize responsiveness and a polished touch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a bright, marble-like sound profile and a tactile experience characterized by snappy, bouncy responses and a polished finish. The WS Dash hall effect switch, while also possessing a bright and clacky sound, lacks detailed descriptions about its feel, making direct comparisons in that aspect challenging. Overall, while both switches can deliver engaging auditory experiences, the Baby Kangaroo's combination of tactile precision and intricate sound texture sets it apart and may appeal more to enthusiasts who favor nuanced feedback and sound design.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a more tactile experience with a slightly heavier actuation, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice, especially for typing or gaming scenarios where responsiveness and tactile feedback enhance your experience. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams pairs well with its snappy and bouncy feel, delivering an engaging typing experience complemented by a bright, clacky, and marbley sound profile. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a focus on a smooth and refined typing experience, the WS Dash switch, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, will be more appealing. These hall effect switches offer a bright and clacky sound signature, creating a seamless and silky typing feel, making them great for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing style and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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