The Code Planet
A Weikav guide

Weikav Baby Kangaroo Switches Review: Are They Worth It for Gaming and Typing?

Baby kangaroo switches from Weikav are generating real buzz in the budget-to-mid-range mechanical keyboard community, and after putting them through their paces, we can see why.

What Are Baby Kangaroo Switches and Who Makes Them?

Weikav baby kangaroo switches for mechanical keyboards
Baby kangaroo switches$43.00Image from the merchant

Baby kangaroo switches are a linear switch produced by Weikav, a brand that has been quietly building a reputation for well-tuned, value-oriented mechanical keyboard gear. These switches are designed to deliver a smooth, consistent keystroke with a light-to-medium actuation feel, making them a credible option for both typists and gamers who want responsiveness without the harshness of tactile or clicky alternatives.

Weikav pairs these switches with a lineup of solid keyboard platforms. If you want to buy them pre-installed or alongside a compatible board, the iskar65 keyboard and weikav nut65 are two of the most natural pairings in the store.

How Baby Kangaroo Switches Feel to Type and Game On

The first thing you notice with baby kangaroo switches is how little resistance there is in the travel. They are tuned for speed, which works in their favor for gaming where rapid actuation and quick resets matter most. For typing, the experience is comfortable across long sessions, though touch-typists who prefer strong tactile feedback will want to manage expectations.

Key characteristics worth knowing:

  • Stem material: POM stem for a naturally smooth glide with minimal pre-lube needed
  • Housing: polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, which contributes to the slightly muted, full sound profile
  • Spring: light enough to reduce finger fatigue over long sessions
  • Factory lube: applied, though enthusiasts often add a thin layer of additional lube for a more buttery result
  • Sound: thocky-leaning rather than clacky, especially in a gasket-mounted board

For gaming specifically, the low actuation weight means your inputs register fast. Shooters, MOBAs, and rhythm games all benefit from that kind of responsiveness.

Baby Kangaroo Switches vs. Other Weikav Switch Options

Weikav’s lineup covers a few different switch personalities. Here is how the baby kangaroos stack up against the alternatives:

Switch Type Feel Best For Noise Level
Baby Kangaroo (linear) Smooth, light Gaming, fast typing Low-medium
Tactile options Bumpy feedback Touch typing, coding Medium
Clicky options Tactile + click Typists who want audio feedback High
Weikav nut65 mechanical keyboard
Nut65$129.00Image from the merchant

If you are building around a nut65 or the star80, baby kangaroos are a natural fit because both boards have gasket or leaf-spring mounting that amplifies the smooth, cushioned feel of linear switches. Drop a set of wob keycaps on white keyboard on top and the whole build looks as clean as it sounds.

Which Keyboards Pair Best With These Switches

You do not need to hunt far for a compatible board. Weikav’s own catalog has several solid options:

Weikav star awaken 16 80 mechanical keyboard
Star awaken 16 80$99.00Image from the merchant
  • weikav nut65 – A compact 65% layout that suits the fast actuation of baby kangaroos perfectly. Desk real estate stays clear, and the mounting style complements the switch’s sound profile.
  • star80 – An 80% (tenkeyless-adjacent) board for anyone who wants function row access without going full-size. Works well for hybrid gaming/typing setups.
  • star awaken 16 80 – If you want something with a bit more visual flair, this board pairs the baby kangaroo switches’ performance with a more distinctive aesthetic.
  • iskar65 keyboard – Another 65% option with a slightly different build character, worth comparing side by side with the nut65 if you are undecided on form factor.

All of these are available in the Weikav store. If you want to stack a discount on your order, grab the code at our Weikav discount page before checking out.

Lubing and Modding: Do Baby Kangaroos Need Extra Work?

Out of the box, they are usable. The factory lube is decent enough that you can install them and start typing immediately. That said, if you want the smoothest possible result:

  1. Disassemble each switch using a switch opener
  2. Apply a thin coat of Krytox 205g0 to the stem rails only (avoid the legs on linears)
  3. Leave the spring unlubed or apply a light film of 105 oil if you want to eliminate spring ping
  4. Film the switches if you notice any housing wobble before reassembling

The difference between factory and hand-lubed baby kangaroos is noticeable. If you are going into a premium build like the star awaken 16 80, taking the extra hour to lube properly is worth it.

Are Baby Kangaroo Switches Worth It for Gaming?

For gaming, yes. The light actuation, smooth travel, and fast reset make them genuinely competitive with switches at higher price points. They sit in that practical zone where you are not compromising on feel to save money.

For typing, they are good but not universal. Writers and coders who live inside a text editor all day and want pronounced tactile feedback will find them a bit too quiet and smooth. But anyone who types a lot and games even more will find baby kangaroos strike a comfortable middle ground.

Pair them with a well-built board, throw on some quality keycaps like the wob keycaps on white keyboard, and the total build punches above its price. Check the latest price and see if the current deal applies before you add to cart.

Who Should Buy Them

Baby kangaroo switches suit:

  • Gamers who want a smooth, fast linear without spending on boutique switches
  • Hybrid users who split time between typing and gaming and prefer one switch for both
  • First-time builders who want a forgiving, easy-to-tune switch that does not require heavy modding out of the box
  • Budget-conscious enthusiasts building on a nut65 or similar mid-range board who want a switch that does not feel like a compromise

They are a tougher sell for dedicated typists who lean tactile, or for anyone building a heavy brass board where the switch’s lighter sound profile might get lost.

Questions

Are baby kangaroo switches good for gaming?

Yes. Their light actuation weight and smooth linear travel make them well-suited for fast-paced gaming where quick inputs and rapid resets matter. They perform especially well in shooters and rhythm games.

Do baby kangaroo switches need to be lubed before use?

They come factory-lubed and are usable straight out of the bag. For the smoothest possible feel, enthusiasts recommend adding a thin coat of Krytox 205g0 to the stem rails, which noticeably improves the glide.

Which Weikav keyboard works best with these switches?

The weikav nut65 and the star80 are both strong pairings. Their mounting styles complement the smooth, cushioned feel of linear switches and help bring out the thocky sound profile.

How do baby kangaroo switches compare to tactile switches for typing?

Baby kangaroos are linear, so they lack the bump that tactile switches provide. Typists who rely on physical feedback to confirm keystrokes may prefer a tactile option, but those who type quickly and game often find the smooth linear feel more comfortable over long sessions.

Is there a discount code for Weikav switches and keyboards?

Yes. The Code Planet maintains a Weikav discount code page with the current offer. Check the page for the latest code before placing your order.

Can I install baby kangaroo switches in any hot-swap keyboard?

They use a standard 3-pin or 5-pin MX-compatible footprint, so they will fit any hot-swap board designed for MX-style switches. If your board only accepts 5-pin switches, just clip the two extra guide pins on the switch stem.

Products in this guide

Shopping at Weikav? See the discount code 5% OFF All Orders

More in this series