Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Cabbage Tofu offers distinct experiences for different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a nostalgic typing experience reminiscent of classic typewriters. Its engaging sound and feel can enhance productivity for typists who thrive on sensory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch presents a different appeal with its linear design, delivering enhanced tactility and responsiveness. With a longer 22mm spring, it enables a swift rebound after actuation, facilitating faster transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile, likened to the gentle collision of Mahjong tiles, creates a unique auditory experience that is less intrusive than the clicky feedback of the Box White V2. Both switches have compelling reasons for selection depending on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a smoother, more fluid typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cabbage Tofu, it's clear that both use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are pressed. This shared material choice enhances the resonant quality of both switches and allows for an aesthetically pleasing translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. With both switches offering a substantial clarity and brightness in their sound characteristics, users can expect comparable auditory experiences, especially when the keys are released.
In contrast to their top housings, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, effectively showcasing the other facet of their design. Nylon is revered for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory feedback on key presses. This characteristic leads to a significantly rounder and muted sound profile compared to the top housing's output. Because both switches use nylon for their bottom sections, they will similarly provide a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a warm and low-pitched sound when bottomed out. The combination of these housing materials on both switches allows typists to engage with a harmonious balance between the sharpness of the polycarbonate and the dulcet tones of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cabbage Tofu yields a captivating auditory profile. The clarity from the polycarbonate top housing brightens the sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom housing enriches the sound when the keys are fully pressed. Together, they create a switch that showcases the best of both materials, melding sharp, crisp tones with round, full depths. Users can expect similarly delightful outcomes from typing on either switch, as the attributes of the housing materials coalesce to deliver a cohesive and satisfying keystroke experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, suitable for longer sessions whether at work or during gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box White V2 exhibiting a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. As a result, while both switches allow for an easy actuation, the Kailh Box White V2 will offer a slightly less forceful bottoming out experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu. Consequently, typists who prefer a softer touch might lean towards the Box White V2, whereas those who appreciate a more robust feel at the point of actuation may prefer the Cabbage Tofu.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cabbage Tofu measures at 4 mm. This places the Kailh Box White V2 as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the KTT Cabbage Tofu, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantive feel, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced physical feedback during keystrokes. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, those who value responsiveness might lean toward the Box White V2, whereas those who favor a deeper actuation will likely opt for the Cabbage Tofu.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is renowned for producing a distinct and sharp audible click that provides immediate auditory feedback with each keypress. This click adds a satisfying layer to the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a unique auditory experience described as clacky and high-pitched, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. The Cabbage Tofu's sound is crisp and bright, offering that percussive characteristic which typists might find invigorating. Both switches are influenced by the keyboard and keycap configuration, so users may find similar auditory experiences depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile experience that typists appreciate; however, specific descriptions of its feel were not provided. In contrast, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is celebrated for its creamy and silky smoothness, enhancing the typing experience with minimized resistance on keystrokes. This switch also features a snappy responsiveness, likely attributed to its lengthened 22mm spring that delivers a quick rebound after actuation. Therefore, while the Box White V2's characteristics are less defined here, the different tactile sensations offered by the Cabbage Tofu may influence user preferences significantly.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch largely depends on the user's priorities in sound and feel. Those who enjoy an audible click and tangible feedback may lean towards the Box White V2, while individuals seeking a buttery smooth and responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, resulting in distinctive user experiences that can be further fine-tuned by keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy tactile feedback and the rewarding sound of a click with every keystroke, the Box White V2 is the ideal choice for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions, especially if you favor a more traditional typing feel reminiscent of older mechanical keyboards. In contrast, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience that allows for rapid keystroke transitions, the Cabbage Tofu is your best bet. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams and a creamy, silky texture, this switch is perfect for fast typists and gamers who appreciate responsiveness without the tactile bump. Moreover, the clacky, high-pitched sound profile adds a unique auditory dimension to your typing experience. In the end, consider your typing habits and sound preferences when making your choice, as both switches offer compelling qualities suited for different users.
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