Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can drastically influence your comfort and performance. The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch celebrated for its crisp, light tactility combined with a distinctive marbley sound profile, offering keyboard enthusiasts a playful yet polished auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai presents itself as a linear switch that excels in delivering an incredibly smooth and gentle keystroke, thanks to its light actuation force and deep, rounded sound. While the Baby Kangaroo switches appeal to those who enjoy a tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Yunhai caters to typists looking for a seamless, effortless typing session. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance, leading to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. This is particularly noticeable with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of the polycarbonate allows for greater light diffusion, adding depth to the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more subdued compared to the Baby Kangaroo (V2). Thus, while the Gateron switch offers a brighter auditory response, the TTC Yunhai leans toward a warmer, rounded sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and TTC Yunhai utilize nylon. This commonality in material allows for a similar auditory experience in terms of bottoming-out sound and feel, promoting a consistent deeper and fuller response when keys are pressed. The nylon's sound absorption properties contribute significantly to creating a duller sound across both switches. The bottom housing's impact is particularly felt during key presses, where the characteristics of nylon play a substantial role in how users experience tactile feedback. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they provide a comparable tactile experience, albeit with the differing impact of their top housing materials.
In essence, the combination of the materials in the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the TTC Yunhai creates distinctive auditory profiles. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) benefits from the sharpness of polycarbonate in its top housing, resulting in a more lively and resonant sound, while the Yunhai's nylon top contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deeper sound during key presses, ultimately influencing how users perceive the overall typing experience. As a result, even though their top housings differ greatly in sound characteristics, the common nylon bottom housing unifies the tactile experience of both switches through their similar properties.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is much lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel makes the Yunhai ideal for users who prefer easier key presses, especially suited for extended typing sessions or gaming. Given that the Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Yunhai, those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback might favor the former, while those seeking a lighter touch would benefit from the latter. Overall, the differences in weight highlight the distinct preferences among users for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's evident that they differ slightly. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yunhai offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users looking for a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo (V2) may be more appealing, especially for gaming, where faster actuation is often preferred. Conversely, the Yunhai's longer 3.6 mm travel distance may be more suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus hearty depth in the 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) produces a distinctive and vibrant auditory experience that can be categorized as clacky and marbly, featuring high-pitched and resonant tones. The clackiness offers a sharp, snappy sound upon actuation, while the marbly aspect adds a unique resonance reminiscent of solid materials like marble or billiard balls, creating a clean and immersive auditory profile. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks a detailed sound description, making it difficult to determine its auditory characteristics compared to the Baby Kangaroo. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound of any switch can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other build materials.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels with a snappy, bouncy, and polished tactile experience. The snappiness ensures immediate responsiveness due to potentially longer or dual-staged springs, contributing to a lively typing sensation. The bouncy quality further enhances feedback, giving a spring-like rebound with each keystroke, while the polished finish promises a smooth journey for your fingers as they glide across the keys. The TTC Yunhai linear switch does not have specific descriptors for its feel, but it is known for its incredibly light actuation force, which suggests that typists might find it effortless and gentle to press, albeit lacking the tactile feedback found in the Baby Kangaroo.
In summary, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a unique sound and feel experience characterized by its crisp, light tactility and high-pitched, resonant sound. Its snappy, bouncy nature complements a polished surface, making it enjoyable for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Yunhai remained unspecified, its very light actuation force indicates a more gentle typing experience. If you appreciate a lively typing experience with pronounced auditory feedback, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) stands out, but if you prefer a lighter touch, the Yunhai could suit your needs, albeit with limited information about its overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and what you seek in a switch experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile response, snappy feedback, and an engaging sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) is an excellent option. Its crisp, light tactility and unique marbly sound offers a dynamic typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who value both auditory and tactile feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a gentler feel with a lighter actuation force that allows for effortless typing, the TTC Yunhai linear switch would be your go-to choice. The deep, rounded sound profile of the Yunhai complements its lightness, providing a soothing environment, ideal for extended typing sessions without the fatigue that may accompany heavier switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, so consider what aspects matter most to you when making your decision.
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