Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, with the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Aliaz is renowned for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings with its medium-heavy weight providing a satisfying tactile feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu stands out for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that promotes a swift rebound after actuation for a seamless typing experience. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is described as reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a distinct auditory 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

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Cabbage Tofu both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cabbage Tofu also has a polycarbonate top housing, meaning both switches will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic if used with RGB lighting.

In contrast, the Gateron Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housing.

Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Aliaz and the Cabbage Tofu results in distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Aliaz offers a more robust push feel, the Cabbage Tofu provides a smoother and lighter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being heavier and the Cabbage Tofu being lighter, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Having a standard travel distance of 4 mm allows for consistent keypresses and a familiar typing experience, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Cabbage Tofu switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is favored for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like the office. The medium-heavy weight of the switch provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, offering a pronounced typing feedback without the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Its high-pitched sound profile gives it a distinct crisp and bright tone, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. When it comes to feel, both switches share similar qualities such as a polished and silky typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as offering a silky and refined typing feel, while the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy and buttery sensation, potentially due to factory lubrication. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch features a longer 22mm spring for a snappier and more responsive typing experience. Overall, while the Aliaz switch excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and swift rebound after actuation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your personal preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a quiet and substantial typing experience with medium-heavy key presses, the Aliaz switch is an excellent choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a swift rebound after actuation and enjoy the sound profile of clacky and high-pitched switches, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more