Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its tactile feedback, featuring a crisp and light switch-like sensation that delivers a marbly sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory and tactile feedback while typing, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a snappier response. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches are characterized by their innovative use of ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an impressively smooth keystroke experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, these linear switches appeal to users who prioritize silent, fluid key presses over tactile feedback, making them particularly suited for long typing sessions or quieter environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Nylon
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice recognized for its softer characteristics. Consequently, the WS Pearl produces a deeper, fuller sound that is more subdued than that of the Baby Kangaroo (V2). This difference in top housing material directly influences the auditory experience when typing, with polycarbonate enhancing the brightness of sound and nylon creating a more rounded quality.
On the other hand, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the WS Pearl share similarities in their bottom housings, as both are made from nylon. This commonality affects the typing experience consistently between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing dampens sound, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contributes to a more pleasant typing experience characterized by a softer bottom-out feel. Since both switches leverage the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, the impact of bottoming out is notably similar. This shared aspect ensures that, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings, users will enjoy a cohesive sound experience when fully pressing down on either switch.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials ultimately shapes the user experience when typing on these switches. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), with its unique blend of polycarbonate and nylon, balances brightness in the top end with depth in the low end, resulting in a dynamic auditory profile. Conversely, the WS Pearl, while providing its own unique characteristics with nylon in both sections, emphasizes a warmer and more rounded sound profile. Users can anticipate similar results in the bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon bottom, yet the overall auditory footprint of each switch diverges significantly based on the top housing material. This contrast showcases how material choices in keyboard switches can lead to varied user experiences, highlighting the importance of both sound and feel in the selection process.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This lighter force can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for extended work or gaming periods. Therefore, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is the heavier option, providing a more tactile feedback, while the WS Pearl offers a smoother and less effortful keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Pearl features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is the longer of the two. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can impact overall typing feel and responsiveness. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may provide a more suitable option due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing might prefer the WS Pearl for its additional depth. Therefore, your choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preference for typing experience and 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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a unique auditory experience characterized by its crisp, high-pitched tones and a marbly quality that resonates during keystrokes. The clacky and bright nature of these switches makes each press distinct and engaging, evoking a clean and sharp sound profile reminiscent of two billiard balls colliding or the sharp tap of marble. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch does not have a detailed sound profile provided. However, since the sound of a switch can be significantly affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, it's possible that users may encounter a variety of sound experiences with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out with its snappy and bouncy characteristics, providing a responsive typing experience that feels lively and engaging. The polished finish contributes to a seamless key travel, ensuring reduced friction that enhances its tactile feedback. This switch promises a tactile sensation that many typists relish. The WS Pearl, with its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, is described as having a surreal smoothness that minimizes friction during keystrokes, although exact descriptors for its feel are not provided. However, its design suggests it could offer a uniquely fluid typing experience distinct from that of the tactile Baby Kangaroo switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) captures the ear with its crisp and resonant tones while delivering a lively tactile experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl promises an exceptionally smooth sensation due to its ball-bearing design, though less information is available regarding its auditory characteristics. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to whether you prioritize a tactile, acoustic typing experience or a smooth, frictionless feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of tactile experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a tactile feel combined with a crisp, high-pitched sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) could be the switch for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams offers a snappy and bouncy response that many typists find satisfying, particularly if you enjoy a lively typing experience with a touch of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for something incredibly smooth and quiet, the WS Pearl's unique ball-bearing design provides a low-friction experience that feels surreal under your fingers. With a lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, this linear switch is ideal for those who favor fluid key presses without the added tactile bump. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it responsiveness and sound or smoothness and ease of travel—and each option will serve you well in its own right.
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