Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cabbage Tofu. The Aqua King is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, similar to the sensation of effortlessly gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its typing experience is particularly magical, offering a subdued and creamy sensation. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This allows for a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch has a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. Both switches are polished and silky, providing a premium feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cabbage Tofu share similarities when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which is desirable for typing enthusiasts. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the sharp and clear sound profile will extend to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a cohesive auditory experience throughout the keystroke.
On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which brings a different set of qualities to the switch. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Cabbage Tofu. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the Aqua King.
In summary, both the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cabbage Tofu utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a similar sound profile. However, the Aqua King extends this sound profile to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. Depending on individual preferences, one may prefer the cohesive sound profile of the Aqua King or the unique auditory characteristics of the Cabbage Tofu.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams of force for actuation. Both switches have a medium actuation force, meaning they provide a balanced feel for typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Cabbage Tofu, which has a medium-light bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. This lighter weight helps reduce fatigue. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, and they generally opt for switches with heavier forces.
In this case, those who prefer a slightly lighter switch may lean towards the KTT Cabbage Tofu with its lower bottom out force of 53 grams. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Everglide Aqua King with its higher bottom out force of 62 grams. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium actuation force, providing a similar typing experience in terms of triggerin
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a consistent and satisfying keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
The KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King switch offers a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, giving it a more subtle and gentle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. It creates a crisp and bright sound when pressed, and it is also described as high-pitched. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the better option, while the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a more lively and energetic sound. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King and Cabbage Tofu switches offer a creamy typing experience. This means that they provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This can be attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switches. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Both switches are also described as silky, enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, the Aqua King switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. With both switches, you can expect reduced friction, smooth key travel, and an overall enjoyable typing feel.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Cabbage Tofu switches have some differences in sound and feel. The Aqua King switch produces a subdued sound while the Cabbage Tofu switch is clacky and high-pitched. However, both switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Aqua King switch is specifically described as frictionless, the Cabbage Tofu switch is labeled as polished and snappy, giving it a slightly different tactile response. Ultimately, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, although the Cabbage Tofu switch may offer a more responsive feel due to its longer or dual-staged springs. It's important to consider individual preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience that feels frictionless and effortless, where your fingers simply glide across the keys, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. Its creamy, frictionless, and polished properties create a magical sensation akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound profile that offers a more subtle and dampened sound, the Aqua King is a great choice.
On the other hand, if improved tactility and responsiveness are what you're seeking, along with a swift rebound after actuation for quicker transitions between keystrokes, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the better option. Its lengthened 22mm spring provides a snappy and lively typing experience reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Furthermore, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, the Cabbage Tofu switch will satisfy your auditory preferences.
Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, making them enjoyable to use. However, the Aqua King switch can be described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, while the Cabbage Tofu switch shares the creamy and polished attributes and adds a snappy element thanks to its super responsive nature.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and responsiveness. Consider what qualities are most important to you and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
