Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct typing experiences for users with different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch loved for its crisp, light tactility and unique marbley sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bouncy and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel is a linear switch known for its smooth and chewy key presses, accompanied by a bright and clacky sound profile that is satisfying and pronounced. Both switches are categorized by their clacky sound and polished feel, but they differ in terms of their tactility and key press experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel, both switches utilize polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housing, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Yoel differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a duller and rounder sound that absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Yoel uses POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch when typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing in determining the sound profile of a switch. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the choice of nylon or POM for the bottom housing results in different sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound like that of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) with nylon bottom housing, or a unique, muted sound like that of the Yoel with POM bottom housing, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch reveals some differences in weight. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Yoel switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, falling in the medium range. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Yoel switch provides a lighter touch that is favored for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch offers a unique marbley profile with a high-pitched and resonant sound that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a bright and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive, with a pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point. Both switches have descriptors like clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, which means that users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile, depending on their choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is described as snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished feel, creating a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches share the polished descriptor, indicating a refined finish and smooth key feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) switch leans towards a marbley and high-pitched sound with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Yoel switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it really depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feedback that is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, along with a sound profile that is clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant, then the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, buttery feel that is described as creamy, polished, and silky, along with a sound profile that is clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, then the PH Studio Yoel linear switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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