Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Cabbage Tofu stand out as two strong contenders in the linear switch category. The Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a quieter and more understated typing experience. Conversely, the Cabbage Tofu switch brings a unique twist with its extended 22mm spring, which enhances tactility and responsiveness, resulting in a delightful, snappy sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding during use. While the Briny caters to minimalist typists who appreciate a smooth and less intrusive keystroke, the Cabbage Tofu appeals to those who desire a more engaging and lively typing sensation. Both switches have their merits depending on user preferences; 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and KTT Cabbage Tofu switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Briny features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory effect. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Here, polycarbonate’s stiffer structure delivers a clearer and more resonant quality, making it an optimal choice for visual aesthetics when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches may share a sonic complexity, their tonal characteristics are distinctly differentiated by the top housing materials.
Interestingly, both the Briny and Cabbage Tofu utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns their fundamental sound qualities despite the difference in top materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similarly deep and full sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic experience through sound absorption. This shared material ensures a consistent baseline for bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when engaging the switches. Therefore, when pressed down, users will feel the familiar, rich tonal qualities imparted by the nylon, regardless of the top housing differences that dictate the release sound and pitch.
Ultimately, the varying compositions of the top housings result in a unique interplay of sound and feel between the two switches. The nylon top of the Briny dampens sound, delivering a mellow auditory experience when keys are released, while the Cabbage Tofu’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, leading to a more pronounced auditory signal. Nonetheless, the convergence of nylon in the bottom housings means that both switches still maintain a deeper, richer sound signature at their cores, making them appealing options for users who appreciate acoustic richness along with variances in tonal dynamics and visual aspects.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Cabbage Tofu the lighter switch overall, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the heavier Briny switch may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within a medium-category, but the lighter actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu could allow for easier and quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel, with the Briny providing a firmer push and the Cabbage Tofu offering a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, the travel distances clearly differ, with the Briny measuring 3.6 mm and the Cabbage Tofu at 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Briny might appeal to gamers or those who prefer a quicker response time, making it feel more responsive. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial key feel, which could be favored by users who appreciate a deeper typing experience. Consequently, if you prioritize speed and quick feedback, the Keygeek Briny would be the better choice, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu caters more to those who enjoy a heartier keystroke. Ultimately, these distinctions highlight the personal preferences that drive switch selection.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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, the Keygeek Briny switch delivers a balanced sound profile that is engaging for typists who prefer a harmonious auditory experience. This switch's construction, featuring a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, contributes to its refined acoustic characteristics, allowing it to resonate well with various keycap materials and boards. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding when pressed. This sharp, bright, and percussive quality can add an exciting auditory dimension to the typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more lively and responsive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch's subjective qualities are not specified, so they remain a mystery. In contrast, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is celebrated for its creamy, polished, and silky feel, which provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. The longer 22mm spring allows for snappy responsiveness, making typing feel effortless and engaging. This combination enhances the overall typing sensation, allowing for quick transitions between keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial for fast typists.
Overall, while both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Cabbage Tofu switches contribute positively to the typing experience, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny offers a balanced sound profile but lacks detailed information about its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu excels with its joyous clack and an incredibly smooth and responsive typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, but for those who enjoy a lively auditory interaction and a buttery touch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a more substantial key feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, along with a balanced sound profile created by the UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, the Briny may be your ideal choice. This switch suits those who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation and a more muted auditory experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch with its 53 grams of force, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its quick rebound capabilities thanks to its 22mm spring. You might find its clacky, high-pitched sound profile more engaging, especially if you appreciate that sharp, percussive quality. Furthermore, the creamy and polished feel of the Tofu makes it particularly appealing for those who seek a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound, feel, or actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
