KTT Ash Gray vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available for consumers to choose from. Two popular switches that deserve attention are the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Cabbage Tofu. The Ash Gray switch is best known for its tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being noticeable and gentle. This switch offers an easy-to-press feel with a crisp actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This switch provides a snappy rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, its sound profile resembles the satisfying click of Mahjong tiles colliding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches are mostly the same. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more visually appealing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Ash Gray and Cabbage Tofu switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housing.
However, there is a notable difference between the two switches' housing materials in their nylon bottom housing. The Ash Gray switch utilizes nylon, while the Cabbage Tofu switch also features nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the Ash Gray switch will have a distinct bottom-out sound and feel due to its nylon bottom housing, setting it apart from the Cabbage Tofu switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, which requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a slightly firmer push to activate a key. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that the amount of pressure needed to fully press the keys is the same for both switches.
Considering the weight aspect, the lighter actuation force of the Ash Gray switch can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it a suitable choice for those who often use their keyboards for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing.
In conclusion, while the Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Cabbage Tofu linear switch, both switches share the same bottom out force. Therefore, those seeking a similar result in terms of fully pressing the keys will achieve it with either switch. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Ash Gray providing a lighter touch and the Cabbage Tofu offering a slightly heavier actuation force for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.5 mm travel distance, providing a more responsive feel for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke. While both switches offer different travel distances, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prioritizes a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. It produces a sound that is not too overwhelming or too quiet, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. If you prefer a crisper and brighter sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch is a good choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press and offers a mild typing experience. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The low-impact feel of these switches reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials. It also has a refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The silky feel of these switches enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The snappy characteristic of the Cabbage Tofu switch makes typing feel more alive due to longer or dual-staged springs.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. It provides a light touch with a crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback. It has a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness. Its longer spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, facilitating quicker transitions between keystrokes. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, with a smooth and buttery typing experience.
While the sound and feel of these switches differ, both switches offer their own unique qualities. If you prefer a neutral sound profile with an easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch is a good choice. However, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider your personal preferences and the specific characteristics you are looking for in a keyboard switch when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a delightful blend of tactile feedback and a light touch, then the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes the perfect balance between a substantial tactile response and an unobtrusive typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is also described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the one for you. With the same medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, this switch provides a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Its sound profile is described as clacky and high-pitched, giving you a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel, reduced friction, and an exceptionally smooth feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a tactile response that is subtle and comfortable, along with an easy-to-press feel, go for the Ash Gray. If you prefer a switch with improved tactility, a snappy rebound, and a clacky high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu is the way to go. Both switches offer excellent features and qualities, so it's up to you to decide which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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