Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a tactile feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Durock Light Tactile switches both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Baby Kangaroo is renowned for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, providing an enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, it offers a distinctive marbley sound profile, adding to its overall appeal. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out with its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on this switch offers an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths, offering a range of sensations for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into their specifications to help you make an informed decision and choose the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock Light Tactile switches are quite similar, as both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housings. The Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Light Tactile also employs the classic switch housing material, nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switch are primarily influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing.
However, despite these differences, the impact of each housing material can still be felt throughout both switches. The top housing, being polycarbonate in both cases, is responsible for the sound when a key is released. This means that the crisp and resonant sound profile will be evident in both switches upon key release. So while the bottom housing may have a minor impact on the overall sound profile, the similarities in the top housing ensure that users can expect similar results when typing or releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is slightly heavier at 59 grams, while the Light Tactile requires a lighter force of 52 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, making them fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Light Tactile switch, as its actuation force is lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Baby Kangaroo switch with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience in that aspect.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their distances. The Baby Kangaroo has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Light Tactile falls within the average range of 4.0mm, while the Baby Kangaroo is slightly shallower at 3.4mm. It is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Baby Kangaroo's shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Light Tactile's longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend 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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a marbley sound profile. The sound it produces is described as clacky, which means it has a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It is described as gentle and jelly-like, with a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback. It is super responsive and gives the typing experience a lively feel. The keys on this switch have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The keys on this switch also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch offers a tactile experience with a crisp and light tactility, accompanied by a clacky and resonant sound profile. It provides a snappy and bouncy feel with polished keys for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a more neutral sound and a mild feel, making it approachable for most users. Both switches have the benefit of a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities, either of these options would provide similar results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have similar bottom out forces of 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. However, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences.
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and marbley sound profile. It offers a clacky and marbly sound, which can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, it provides a snappy and bouncy feel, giving a responsive and lively typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a unique sound and a typing experience that feels more alive, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be a great choice.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out with its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers an angelic and neutral sound, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. In terms of feel, it offers a mild typing experience, which is approachable to most users, and also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a crisp and percussive sound, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more gentle and neutral sound, along with a mild typing experience and a polished finish, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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