Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu are two excellent options to consider. The Box Jades are ideal if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and a noticeable level of tactility. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a pure joy. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Furthermore, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. While these generalities make for compelling reasons to choose either switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches share several similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Consequently, users can expect similar aesthetic and sound results from both switches, thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu differ in material. The Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Cabbage Tofu utilizes the same polycarbonate material found in its top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile in switches, as its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the Box Jade switch will offer a distinct auditory experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu, which relies on the polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing.
The difference in bottom housing materials also translates to a difference in the feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. Therefore, the texture and impact of the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon in the Box Jade and the polycarbonate in the Cabbage Tofu. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. So, while the tops of these switches provide similar sound and aesthetic qualities due to their shared polycarbonate construction, the bottom housing contributes to distinct typing experiences between the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cabbage Tofu's 45 grams, making it slightly harder to trigger a keystroke on the Box Jade. Similarly, the Box Jade also requires a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Cabbage Tofu's 53 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience on the Box Jade.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and potentially longer typing sessions. This makes it a good choice for typing-intensive tasks or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and the feeling of a stronger push may opt for the Box Jade, as its higher forces provide a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation forces and bottom out forces of these switches are not exactly the same, they do fall within the medium range, suggesting that both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and the Cabbage Tofu will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, with the Box Jade offering a slightly heavier feel and the Cabbage Tofu providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch differ slightly. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Jade being on the shallower side and the Cabbage Tofu offering a slightly deeper experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. So, if you prioritize fast and responsive key presses, the Box Jade with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt, preferring a more substantial key press. For those looking for a more satisfying depth, the Cabbage Tofu switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is renowned for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, which is often described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a clacky sound profile that is also high-pitched and sharp. The sound of both switches is considered to be percussive and bright. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. It provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. The typing experience with these switches is described as immersive, with a snappy and reactive feel. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation of the creamy switch, along with reduced friction and smooth key travel from the polished switch, enhances the overall typing feel. The silky nature of the switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, while the snappy characteristic makes the typing experience feel more alive.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best suited for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. These switches are characterized by their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, with a swift rebound after actuation. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the perfect choice for you. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps during typing will provide you with a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the high-pitched and crunchy sound profile of the Box Jade adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is the way to go. The lengthened 22mm spring of the Cabbage Tofu allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu resembles the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a sharp, bright, and percussive clacky sound. Furthermore, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing friction during keypresses. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches depends on your preference for typing force, sound, and feel.
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