Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options stand out: the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Aflion Iceberg. The Baby Kangaroo switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. With categories such as "clacky," "marbly," and "high-pitched," this switch offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg, despite being a relatively new switch manufacturer, showcases their commitment to quality with these stellar switches. Known for their satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring design, the Iceberg offers a fulfilling and snappy feel. Categories such as "clacky," "high-pitched," and "feathery" describe this switch's profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Aflion Iceberg share similar qualities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually stunning lighting effect. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Baby Kangaroo or the Iceberg.
However, the switches differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Iceberg also features a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar sound experience to the Baby Kangaroo. Therefore, whether you choose the Baby Kangaroo or the Iceberg, you can anticipate a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will primarily feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Baby Kangaroo and the Iceberg may have differences in housing material, the overall typing experience and sound outcomes share common features.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the weight of these switches. The Baby Kangaroo has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. On the other hand, the Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Iceberg requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Baby Kangaroo.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Iceberg as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those who spend extended hours typing at work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push may find the Baby Kangaroo more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, they both aim to provide an optimal typing experience. Those seeking a lighter typing feel will achieve similar results with both switches, as the Iceberg's forces are consistently lower across actuation and bottom out. However, those desiring a heavier typing experience will find the Baby Kangaroo to be the better option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Iceberg switch is longer than the Baby Kangaroo switch. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Baby Kangaroo switch would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In that case, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Iceberg switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired 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 Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
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
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile. The keypress on these switches produces a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the sound profile can be described as resonant and high-pitched, providing an immersive auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Baby Kangaroo switches are considered snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. This is attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs present in these switches, making the keys feel more alive. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is representative of the quality switches produced by Aflion, although not much information is provided. In terms of sound, the Iceberg switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, similar to the Baby Kangaroo. However, the specific descriptors like marbly or resonant are not mentioned for this switch. As for feel, the Iceberg switch is also described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience like the Baby Kangaroo. It is also mentioned that the switch has a two-stage spring, which adds to the fulfilling feel. There is also a descriptor of feathery, indicating that the switch is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue.
Based on the available information, both switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a clacky sound profile and provide a snappy typing experience. While the Baby Kangaroo has additional descriptors such as marbly and resonant, these qualities are not mentioned for the Iceberg. However, the Iceberg switch offers a feathery feel, which is not mentioned for the Baby Kangaroo. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force and reduced finger fatigue, the Iceberg may be a suitable choice. Overall, both switches seem to offer satisfying qualities, but individual preference and the specific use case should be considered when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch would be a great choice. It offers a satisfying typing experience with its snappy and bouncy feel, along with a clacky and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with smoothness and a two-stage spring for a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a fantastic option. It has a feathery and subtle feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience. Its clacky and high-pitched sound adds to the overall satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel.
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