Gateron Type R vs Gateron Baby Kangaroo - Modern Tactility Compared

The Gateron Type R and Gateron Baby Kangaroo are part of Gateron’s latest generation of tactile switches. Both are known for their modern, well-defined tactile bump, but the character and typing experience differ significantly. Below you’ll find an in-depth comparison based on technical specifications, build quality, and community experiences.

1. Construction & Materials

• Gateron Type R – Nylon housing, POM stem, improved mold quality for minimal friction and high consistency. Light to medium weight with a sharp bump high in the key travel.
• Gateron Baby Kangaroo – PC top, nylon bottom, POM stem. Heavier, deeper bump; fuller sound thanks to the stiffer construction. More mass and a pronounced “tactile thock” character.

2. Technical Specifications

Gateron Type R

• Type: Tactile (sharp, poppy bump)
• Actuation: 55–60 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 3.4–4.0 mm
• Materials: Nylon housing, POM stem
• Lifespan: 80–100 million actuations

Gateron Baby Kangaroo

• Type: Tactile (deep, firm bump)
• Actuation: ~59 cN
• Bottom-out: 65–67 cN
• Pre-travel: 2.0 mm
• Total travel: 3.4 mm
• Materials: PC top, nylon bottom, POM stem
• Lifespan: 80 million actuations

3. Sound Profile & Feel

Switch	Bump position	Sound profile	Typing feel
Gateron Type R	High in the travel	Soft, short pop	Fast, sharp and modern; light resistance
Gateron Baby Kangaroo	Deeper in the travel	Warm, muted thock	Heavier, more massive, with low resonance
Gateron Brown	Middle	Soft and neutral	Mild bump, all-round use

4. Community Impressions

About the Gateron Type R

“One of the sharpest tactiles Gateron has ever made—pop without scratch.”

“Exactly what Browns should have been: clean, tight and modern.”

About the Gateron Baby Kangaroo

“Deep, warm and full of character. One of the best tactiles for thock lovers.”

“Heavier, but extremely satisfying. The sense of quality is excellent.”

5. Pros & Cons

Gateron Type R

Pros:

• Sharp, modern tactile bump
• Very smooth slider; low scratch
• Direct feedback without click noise
• Lighter and suitable for long sessions

Cons:

• Less deep tactility than Baby Kangaroo
• Great for modern tactility, less ideal for fans of very heavy feedback

Gateron Baby Kangaroo

Pros:

• Deep, firm bump with warm thock sound
• Solid, characterful typing feel
• Stable construction with very little wobble

Cons:

• Heavier for long typing sessions
• Slower and less “snappy” than Type R

6. When to Choose Which?

• Choose Gateron Type R if you want a modern tactile with a fast, sharp bump and minimal friction.
• Choose Gateron Baby Kangaroo if you prefer deep tactile switches with a warmer, fuller sound and more resistance.

7. Where to Buy

• Gateron Type R – RGBKeys
• Gateron Baby Kangaroo – RGBKeys

Conclusion

The Gateron Type R and Gateron Baby Kangaroo represent two different styles of modern tactility: tight and poppy versus deep and thocky. Both are excellent choices, but the right switch depends on your preference for bump weight, sound, and responsiveness. In both cases, Gateron shows how far they’ve come in terms of quality and consistency.

Discover more tactile and linear options in our full Switch Collection at RGBKeys.