Kailh Box White vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to consider to cater to different preferences. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch. The Box White switch is well-known for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, allowing for a swift rebound after actuation and quick transitions between keystrokes. When using the Cabbage Tofu switch, one can experience a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Each switch comes with its own list of unique characteristics, creating distinct typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$2.76 per 10

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the KTT Cabbage Tofu both have polycarbonate top housings, which means that they will offer a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing that offers a distinct sound and works well with RGB lighting, both the Box White and the Cabbage Tofu would be suitable options.

Where these switches differ is in their nylon bottom housings. While the Box White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu also opts for the same material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, both the Box White and the Cabbage Tofu will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, as they both employ nylon for their bottom housing.

It's worth noting that the qualities of each housing material will have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of these switches. When pressing down on either of these switches, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it affects the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when you release a key. So, while the Kailh Box White and the KTT Cabbage Tofu share similar housing materials, the specific placements of these materials may result in slight differences in the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cabbage Tofu's 45 grams, making it a bit firmer to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the Cabbage Tofu only needs 53 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter bottom out force, giving it a slightly softer landing when pressing the key all the way down.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces provided by the Cabbage Tofu switch. This allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods without experiencing as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a stronger push feel with its heavier forces, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference. If someone prefers a lighter touch and a softer landing, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a suitable option. However, those who enjoy a firmer actuation and a more pronounced keystroke may find the Box White switch to be more to their liking.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, some people may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper key press, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, the Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a crisp and clean sound, akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the collision of Mahjong tiles. Both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound profile, so if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, either option will provide similar results.

In terms of feel, the Box White switch is described as polished. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It offers a polished and refined feel when typing. The Cabbage Tofu switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch's exceptional smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall typing feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch also features longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive and snappy.

Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box White switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, while the Cabbage Tofu switch is clacky and high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Box White switch is polished, while the Cabbage Tofu switch is creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. Both switches offer their own unique typing experiences and characteristics. If you prefer a clicky switch with maximum audio feedback and accented tactility, the Box White switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer improved tactility with quicker rebound and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys the sound of crisp, crunchy autumn leaves when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer an accented tactility that enhances the typing experience. The Box White switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White switch has a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a sharp and clacky sound, similar to the collision of Mahjong tiles, which can be described as crisp and bright. Furthermore, the Cabbage Tofu switch has a creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch depends on your preferences for audio feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a crunchy sound profile or improved tactility and a buttery smooth typing experience. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that will best enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more