Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Cabbage Tofu. Both switches offer their own unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Blue Lotus switch stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that many users appreciate. Additionally, the detachable light column adds vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Moreover, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch resembles the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches have both similarities and differences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Although these materials differ, they both offer unique qualities. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus provides a premium and distinct feel, while the polycarbonate of the Cabbage Tofu offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials are ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to their translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's more absorbent nature allows for the absorption of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. As a relatively softer plastic compared to harder alternatives, nylon impacts the overall sound experience of the switch.

While the top and bottom housings may differ for these switches, the qualities brought by each material are split. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer quality housing options that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range.

For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Cabbage Tofu would be an ideal choice. With its lower actuation force, it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force makes it a suitable option for those who use their keyboards for extended periods, such as during work or intense gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force and bottom out force. This additional force creates a stronger push feel, appealing to individuals seeking a more tactile and satisfying keystroke. While this may result in a slightly more demanding typing experience, it can be ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response and desire a sense of solidity in their keystrokes.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who value a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cabbage Tofu, benefiting from its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile feedback may find the Blue Lotus to be the perfect fit. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer distinct advantages, ensuring that users will achieve their desired results.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances. If you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be a better choice, as it allows for faster response times. However, if you prefer a deeper key press and a more satisfying feel, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance might be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Blue Lotus and Cabbage Tofu switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch produces a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Although these switches have different sound profiles, it's important to note that the overall sound is affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The snappiness of the Blue Lotus switch is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, stepped switches have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, while polished switches have a refined finish resulting in sleek key travel. Silky switches enhance overall smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches share the snappy quality, giving that responsive typing experience.

To conclude, the Blue Lotus switch boasts a tactile intensity with swift responsiveness. It offers a marked tactile feel paired with vibrant RGB illumination due to its detachable light column. The Cabbage Tofu switch, on the other hand, offers improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation. It provides a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. While the Blue Lotus switch has a bassy sound and provides an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. It's important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as both provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are someone who values both tactile feel and visual appeal in your keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a marked tactile feel and snappy responsiveness, which enhances your typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a snappy response, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches would be a great fit. These switches feature a lengthened spring that allows for swift rebound after actuation, resulting in quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound produced by the Blue Lotus switches leans towards a deeper and richer bassy profile, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics, and your preference would depend on whether you prioritize tactile intensity or smoothness, as well as the sound profile that suits your preference.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more