KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cabbage Tofu switch, with its lengthened 22mm spring, provides typists with improved tactility and responsiveness. This allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch has been described as reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a range of characteristics including 'clacky,' 'creamy,' 'high-pitched,' 'polished,' 'silky,' and 'snappy.' On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch stands out for its fun tactile experience. With its long, two-stage spring, typing on this switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile sensation. The Carrot switch also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, with qualities such as 'clacky,' 'marbly,' 'high-pitched,' 'bouncy,' 'snappy,' 'stepped,' 'feathery,' and 'subtle.' 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Carrot, specifically the polycarbonate top housings, offer similar sound profiles due to the characteristics of polycarbonate. Both switches have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The similarities in the polycarbonate top housings of both switches ensure that users will experience a consistent sound quality and visual experience when using them.
However, the differences between the switches lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Carrot's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Cabbage Tofu switch with its nylon bottom housing will create a more robust sound experience, while the Carrot switch will produce a slightly softer and less resonant sound.
Ultimately, when comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the softer nylon material in the bottom housing contribute to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when you release a key, affecting the sound it produces. This distinction allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their preference for either a more pronounced and powerful typing sound or a slightly muffled and gentler one.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Carrot's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cabbage Tofu requires a force of 53 grams, while the Carrot is lighter at 45 grams. This makes the Cabbage Tofu switch slightly heavier overall compared to the Carrot switch.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for professional or gaming purposes. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, switches with heavier forces are preferred. In this case, the Cabbage Tofu would be a better choice.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cabbage Tofu and Carrot switches differ, with the Cabbage Tofu being the heavier option. However, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent and identical travel distance. Thus, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The sound can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch also has a clacky sound profile, but with a mid-pitched and firm quality. It is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, resembling the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. Both switches offer distinct and enjoyable sound profiles depending on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and enhanced overall smoothness of the typing feel. The longer 22mm spring of the Cabbage Tofu switch contributes to a snappy and responsive feel, making keystrokes feel more alive. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, with a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The two-stage spring in the Carrot switch offers a unique and bouncy tactile experience, accompanied by a gentle resistance and reduced finger fatigue. Both switches provide distinct tactile sensations, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Considering the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and Aflion Carrot tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. In contrast, the Carrot switch has a clacky sound with a mid-pitched and firm quality, along with a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile feel. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable experiences for typists, depending on individual preferences. To achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, one may need to consider using the same keyboard and keycaps as mentioned in the provided information. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches should be based on personal preference and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch may be the right choice for you. It offers a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quick transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, it produces a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Its long, two-stage spring offers a lively and spring-like feedback sensation when pressed. It produces a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, offering a comfortable and light typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch depends on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer their own unique features and characteristics.
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