Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) is a tactile switch that provides a crisp, light tactility and a unique marbley sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clacky, bouncy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° is a linear switch that focuses on silent typing, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Baby Kangaroo (V2) excels in tactility and sound, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes smoothness and silence. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound quality when a key is pressed and released, making it an essential component for those who prioritize the auditory feedback of their keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound when typing. This makes switches with nylon bottom housings ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more tactile typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing sensation for the user.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° differ in material composition, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. This means that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how these housing materials interact with the key press and release can help users select a switch that best suits their preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo requires 67 grams, whereas the Zero Degree 0° force remains unknown. The Baby Kangaroo switch provides a medium-heavy feel, while the Zero Degree offers a lighter touch due to its lower actuation force. Some may prefer the Baby Kangaroo for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Zero Degree for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo (V2). While the difference may seem minimal, it can still impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) may feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for quick and precise movements, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° with its longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper and more traditional feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing or gaming style.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound with resonant and high-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to absorb sound and reduce noise, providing a quiet typing experience with no specific sound descriptors provided. Depending on your preference for a louder, more tactile sound or a quieter, smoother sound, the choice between these two switches will greatly impact the auditory feedback of your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switches are noted for being snappy and bouncy, offering a highly responsive and elastic feedback sensation that can make typing feel more lively. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches are described as delivering unparalleled smoothness and stability with a soft, elastic feel. Unfortunately, no specific feel descriptors are provided for these switches. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a bouncy feel or a smoother, more stable feel, your choice between these switches will significantly impact the tactile feedback of your typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Baby Kangaroo (V2) provides a more tactile and lively typing experience with its clacky and bouncy characteristics, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its focus on smoothness and stability. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switches, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a crisp, light tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Baby Kangaroo (V2) would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° is the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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