Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are super excited to be offering two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. On one hand, we have the Gateron Baby Kangaroo, a tactile switch known for its crisp and light switch-like tactility. Users can enjoy a satisfying and bouncy keystroke accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. Categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished, this switch offers an invigorating and lively typing experience. On the other hand, we have the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, designed to elevate your office and work experience. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, effectively reducing switch noise while maintaining remarkable responsiveness. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued, these switches provide a tranquil and precise typing experience. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches forgo silicone dampeners, resulting in a distinct typing sensation free from the usual cushioned feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Baby Kangaroo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches have translucency, allowing for RGB lighting, the different materials yield varied acoustic experiences.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Baby Kangaroo and WS Silent Linear employ nylon as the housing material. This nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, it creates a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the switches share similarities in sound due to this common material.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials, the qualities of the top and bottom housings influence different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feeling when the switch is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and WS Silent Linear may have different top and bottom housing materials, their overall sound experiences are shaped by the combination of these materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, a few key differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is not available. This means that the Baby Kangaroo requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. As for the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo has a measurement of 67 grams, whereas the WS Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed compared to the WS Silent Linear.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Baby Kangaroo falls into the medium-heavy category for both actuation and bottom out forces. This can appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the heavier forces provide a pronounced push feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown but falls into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force. While direct comparison between the actuation forces is not possible, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Silent Linear to be a suitable option.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch. Individuals seeking a switch with a lighter touch may prefer the WS Silent Linear, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Baby Kangaroo. However, it is important to note that without the exact actuation force for the WS Silent Linear, precise comparisons cannot be made.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shallow travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth to their typing experience. In this case, the WS Silent Linear, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired tactile sensations during typing.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant. These switches produce a sharp, crisp sound that can be likened to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque is described as having a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile. These switches are designed to minimize noise and produce a softer, quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. The WS Silent Linear switches offer a more tranquil and precise typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation associated with silent switches. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, the Baby Kangaroo switch provides a more distinct and resonant sound, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is known for being snappy, bouncy, and polished. These switches offer a super responsive typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The polished finish of these switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, providing a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. The WS Silent Linear switch focuses on delivering unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out without overly pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Baby Kangaroo provides a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile along with a snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a more neutral, muted, and subdued sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. While these switches have their own unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup to determine which switch would be the best fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo is an excellent choice. These switches provide a crisp, light switch-like tactility that is complemented by a unique marbly sound profile. They are perfect for those who enjoy a clacky and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear is the way to go. These switches are designed to reduce switch noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. With their neutral and muted sound profile, they are suitable for both home and office environments. Additionally, their mild feel ensures a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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