Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Kangaroo (V2) and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock T1, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both fall into the tactile switch category. The Baby Kangaroo offers a unique typing experience with its crisp, light switch-like tactility and a distinct marbley sound profile. Classified as 'clacky', 'marbly', 'high-pitched', 'resonant', 'snappy', 'bouncy', and 'polished', this switch provides a satisfying feel and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the T1 switch delivers a comfortable typing sensation with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Categorized as 'stepped', 'low-pitched', 'neutral', 'accented', and 'polished', it offers a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on which switch suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
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
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock T1 both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal option for those seeking a satisfying auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Baby Kangaroo features a nylon bottom housing, while the T1 also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material and offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to harder plastics, nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The choice of nylon as the bottom housing material contributes to the overall tactile experience of these switches and enhances the auditory feedback during use.
Although both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the qualities attributed to each material are split between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing material primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock T1 may differ in their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Baby Kangaroo is 59 grams, which provides a medium-heavy touch required to trigger a keystroke. Conversely, the actuation force of the T1 is not specified, making it unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a similar medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down.
Considering the weight of these switches, it becomes apparent that some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for extended typing sessions and is well-suited for work or long gaming sessions. The Baby Kangaroo switch with its 59-gram actuation force would be a suitable choice for such users. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces. In this regard, both the Baby Kangaroo and T1 switches offer a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying tactile experience.
Overall, while the actuation force of the T1 switch remains undisclosed, it can be concluded that the Baby Kangaroo switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches share the same medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a comparable typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger push when pressing the keys.
Travel distance
The Gateron Baby Kangaroo tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock T1 tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the T1 has a longer distance compared to the Baby Kangaroo. This means that when pressing down on a key with the T1 switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance of travel before the key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the Baby Kangaroo offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, ideal for those wanting to gain a competitive edge in gaming. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the T1 would be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 switch is best described as having a clacky and marbly sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. The switch also has a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The T1 switch also has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and 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.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its snappy and bouncy tactile feedback. These switches are super responsive, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs that make typing feel more alive. They also provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Baby Kangaroo switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as a stepped and accented switch. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, while accented switches offer a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Like the Baby Kangaroo switch, the T1 switch is also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and Durock T1 switches have different sound and feel characteristics. The Baby Kangaroo switch produces a clacky and marbly sound profile with a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the T1 switch offers a low-pitched and more neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, while the T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Although they offer different qualities, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with smooth key travel. Therefore, if you are looking for a crisp and bright sound and a snappy, responsive feel, the Baby Kangaroo switch may be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a more mellow sound and a medium tactile feel, the Durock T1 switch can also provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, both the Gateron Baby Kangaroo and the Durock T1 are suitable options.
The Baby Kangaroo switch is known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and produces a marbley sound profile. It is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound. In terms of feel, it is described as snappy, bouncy, and polished, offering a super responsive and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, the T1 switch is known for being super comfortable to type on, with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. It is described as having a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral feel. The T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and also polished in terms of feel, offering a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Baby Kangaroo and the T1 depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a more clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Baby Kangaroo might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound profile, a mild tactile experience, and a neutral feel, the T1 might be a better fit. Consider your preferred sound and feel when making your decision.
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