Gateron Beer vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and KTT Cabbage Tofu offer unique experiences to users. The Gateron Beer switch is a tactile switch that is known for its mesmerizing translucent green color, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility which provides a subtle feedback. It also produces a characteristic clacky sound signature for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is a linear switch that boasts improved tactility and responsiveness thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. It offers a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adding a unique auditory element to typing. Both switches are categorized as 'clacky', but the Beer switch is more 'easy-to-press' and 'stepped', while the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as 'creamy', 'high-pitched', 'polished', 'silky', and 'snappy'. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and KTT Cabbage Tofu both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Beer having a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Cabbage Tofu featuring a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound profile of the switches can be felt differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the housing materials between the Gateron Beer and KTT Cabbage Tofu, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their unique sound profiles resulting from their respective top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer and KTT Cabbage Tofu both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, they differ in the bottom housing material used. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a consistent clear and resonant sound profile, while the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The split between top and bottom housing allows each material to contribute to different aspects of sound and feel when using the switches, ultimately resulting in a unique typing experience for each. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize providing a quality sound profile and enhanced typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, it is evident that the Beer is lighter overall. The actuation force of the Beer is 38 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Beer is 50 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu bottoms out at 53 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, with the Beer being slightly lighter than the Cabbage Tofu. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Beer, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Cabbage Tofu. In either case, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch, as the differences in force required are relatively minimal.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Cabbage Tofu switch due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Beer switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress and feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch are described as having a "clacky" sound profile. This means that both switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. However, the Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as having a "high-pitched" sound profile, which can provide a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Beer switch, especially if you prefer a higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as being "easy-to-press" with a "stepped" tactility. This means that the switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a low-impact and responsive typing feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch, on the other hand, is described as "creamy," "polished," "silky," and "snappy," offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and exceptional responsiveness. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu switch may provide a more luxurious and refined typing feel compared to the Beer switch.
Considering all the available information, while both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offer a clacky sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its additional high-pitched sound option. In terms of feel, the Beer switch provides an easy-to-press experience with stepped tactility, while the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamier, polished, silkier, and snappier typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with both switches, but the Cabbage Tofulistener switch may provide a more premium typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a stepped tactility and a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value improved tactility, swift rebound after actuation, and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
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