SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cabbage Tofu. The Ayara switch is a linear switch that offers a medium heftiness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sturdy typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch is also a linear switch but is best known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. Thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quick transitions between keystrokes. The Cabbage Tofu switch emits a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a unique auditory experience. Both switches have their merits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Cabbage Tofu, specifically in terms of their top housing, differ significantly. The Ayara utilizes nylon as its top housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu's top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.
When comparing the materials used for the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Cabbage Tofu share the same nylon material. The choice of using nylon in the bottom housing of these switches facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, when pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of both the Ayara and the Cabbage Tofu.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the unique qualities of each material will be distributed accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will primarily influence the sound and feel upon the key's bottom-out. In contrast, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound when releasing the key. This distinction highlights how the Ayara's nylon top housing will provide a different auditory experience upon key release compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Cabbage Tofu. However, both switches share the advantage of utilizing nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon keypress.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, while the Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams. This suggests that the Cabbage Tofu requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the typing experience on the Ayara may feel more substantial and require a stronger push, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. It's important to consider the weight of the switches based on individual preferences. Some may prefer the Ayara's heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Cabbage Tofu's lighter actuation force to type comfortably for longer periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, it has a travel distance of 4 mm. Similarly, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Thus, both switches offer the same travel distance, which means that pressing down on a key equipped with either the Ayara or Cabbage Tofu switch will result in a similar tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is not overly rich or bassy, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more balanced sound. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive feel. Both switches are described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a polished typing experience. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to the overall polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery feel, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The creamy sensation is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as silky and snappy, enhancing the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the typing experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Ayara switch offers a soft bottom-out feel, medium heftiness, and a clacky sound profile. It is recommended for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch, on the other hand, provides improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. It also has a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Both switches are high-pitched and offer a polished or creamy typing experience, albeit with different sensations. If you are looking for a similar typing experience, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. However, individual preference and the specific use case of the switches should be taken into account when making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, we recommend choosing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. It has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Ayara offers a polished switch feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prioritize improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the better choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a unique and snappy typing experience. These switches are also described as having a creamy, silky, and snappy feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and responsiveness of your keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and the Cabbage Tofu will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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