Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with tactile feedback, you may want to consider the Gateron Baby Kangaroo or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Baby Kangaroo offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a unique marbley sound profile. Known for its clacky and marbly characteristics, this switch is also high-pitched, resonant, snappy, bouncy, and polished. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks. Classified as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, these switches offer an impressive tactile experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Baby Kangaroo utilizes a nylon material while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contributes to the sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound.
When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, thus affecting the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may differ between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, they each contribute to a specific aspect of the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that they have similar characteristics. Both switches have a relatively lightweight actuation force, with the Baby Kangaroo measuring at 59 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 55 grams. This lighter actuation force allows for a faster initial keystroke, suitable for users who prefer a more rapid typing experience. As for the bottom out force, the Baby Kangaroo has a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 63 grams. This indicates that the Baby Kangaroo provides a stronger push feel during typing, offering a more substantial and tactile experience. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, giving users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Baby Kangaroo or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, users can expect comparable and satisfying results in their typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Baby Kangaroo has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, gamers especially prefer switches with a shorter travel distance for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Baby Kangaroo would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance may be a better fit. Keep in mind that both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation points, so the travel distance is just one factor to consider when choosing the right switch for your needs.
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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The Baby Kangaroo switch is further described as having a marbly and resonant sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is not described with any additional sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, if you are seeking a crisp and bright sound with a touch of resonance, both switches can offer similar results.
Moving on to feel, both switches are described as being snappy and bouncy. The Baby Kangaroo switch is further described as providing a polished typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish, leading to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp and accented, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, both switches are mentioned to have a dual-staged spring, making the typing experience feel more alive. These qualities suggest that the switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and a rebound sensation when pressed.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches offer similar subjective qualities. They both produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, and provide a snappy and bouncy feel with a prominent tactile bump. While the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as having a marbly sound profile and a polished finish, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as accented and sharp. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility, along with a marbley sound profile, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is the perfect choice for you. The Baby Kangaroo produces a clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant sound when pressed. As for the feel, it is snappy, bouncy, and polished, providing a super responsive and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a medium-high level of tactility, along with deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the ideal option. The Shadow switch variant features a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it is sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump, rebound, and a mild two-stage keystroke experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and are suited for different typing preferences. So, consider these factors and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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