Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feedback and sound profile. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2), with its tactile bump and unique "marbley" sound, is an excellent option for typists and gamers seeking a responsive feel with a clacky, resonant acoustics that keeps every keystroke engaging. Its polished design ensures a snappy experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a bit of flair in their gaming or typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) provides a completely different experience with its linear action that focuses on smooth key presses without the tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer auditory profile and seamless typing motion. Crafted with a sophisticated PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers crisp resonance, the Xinhai switch is well-suited for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons where consistent keystrokes are key. Both switches offer unique advantages based on user preference, but 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), we observe notable differences in their top housings. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in louder and crisper keypresses. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, famous for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs sound better, creating a more subdued auditory experience that contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate.
However, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, creating a noteworthy aspect of their comparison. In this case, the bottom housing material affects the overall sound profile significantly during keypresses. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share characteristics that provide a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. This similarity suggests that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Xinhai (Heavy) will deliver similar experiences in terms of the tactile feedback and acoustic nuances when the keys are fully pressed down.
Ultimately, while the differing top housing materials create contrasting sound profiles during key releases, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a level of uniformity in the bottoming-out experience. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) will produce a brighter tone on release due to its polycarbonate top, while the Xinhai (Heavy) will yield a warmer sound profile; nevertheless, both will foster a satisfying keypress experience due to the nylon used in their bottom housings. Thus, users can expect both switches to provide enjoyable feedback in distinct ways, combining the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon materials to achieve a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it within the medium range. This makes the Baby Kangaroo (V2) the heavier option overall, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the lighter actuation force of the Xinhai switch may appeal to users looking for ease of typing over extended periods, making it ideally suited for work or long gaming sessions. Together, these differences illustrate how the choice between the two switches can significantly impact user experience based on personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing fatigue.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that both switches offer the same amount of key press distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel when typing or gaming. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key actuation depth and feedback, regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, either switch will deliver the same performance regarding the distance traveled when pressed.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 characteristics of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Baby Kangaroo stands out with its bright and engaging auditory profile. The switch is reported to produce a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, contributing to a delightful typing experience that is both resonant and high-pitched. This is coupled with a marbley quality that adds an interesting depth to the acoustics, reminiscent of clean, crisp sounds akin to billiard balls. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) has no specified sound profile within the provided information, but the use of PA12 for housing likely offers a softer acoustic experience that contrasts the more vibrant sound of the Baby Kangaroo. The acoustic characteristics can vary significantly based on the keyboard layout and keycap choice, which means that both switches could still provide satisfying auditory feedback depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with its snappy, bouncy, and polished tactile feedback. The responsiveness of the switch enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. The bounciness provides an elastic sensation, akin to a spring, while the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel that reduces friction. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) lacks detailed information about its tactile feel, leaving a gap in this comparison. However, its classification as a linear switch generally indicates a smoother keystroke that lacks the tactile bump found in the Baby Kangaroo. This difference highlights that while both switches can excel in their own right, they cater to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers an engaging sound profile and an enjoyable tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value auditory feedback and responsive keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy)'s characteristics remain less defined, particularly regarding sound and feel, which makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, typists seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience might prefer the linear nature of the Xinhai (Heavy). Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactility, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more vibrant typing experience characterized by snappy feedback and a delightful marbley sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying tactile response, making it particularly appealing for those who do a lot of typing or gaming and appreciate a pronounced feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more sophisticated typing experience with subtle acoustics and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams, then the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch might be more suited for your needs. Its polished construction offers a crisp sound and refined feel, making it the go-to option for users who prioritize a quieter environment or enjoy an uninterrupted flow when typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how much you value tactile feedback versus smoothness and sound profile in your keyboard experience.
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