KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence the typing experience, and two notable examples are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its enhanced tactility and swift responsiveness, thanks to a lengthened 22mm spring that allows for a rapid rebound after actuation. This results in a typing experience reminiscent of the clatter of Mahjong tiles, characterized by its clacky, creamy, and polished sound profile. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g is designed for those who favor an exceptionally light actuation force, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances its bright auditory feedback. While the Cabbage Tofu is ideal for typists seeking a more engaging and tactile feel, the Chiikawa appeals to users who prioritize a feather-light touch and an energetic soundscape. 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
28g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g share notable similarities, particularly in their utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches employ polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to achieving a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity ensures that users of both switches can expect a pronounced auditory clarity when utilizing RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate top housing allows light to shine through effectively. Thus, regardless of which switch one chooses, the overall acoustic experience during keypresses will lean towards a bright and resonant output due to the shared properties of the top housing.
In contrast to their similar top housings, the bottom housings of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g differ significantly in their impact on sound and feel. Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer properties in comparison to polycarbonate. This softness results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound and reduces sharpness. Consequently, even though both switches will produce a complementary auditory experience owing to their mutual usage of nylon in the bottom housing, the nuanced differences between the two seating types in regards to user feedback can manifest in varied tactile experiences during typing sessions.
Ultimately, the combination of unique sound profiles engendered by the differing housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch. While both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g benefit from the crisp sound projection offered by polycarbonate in the upper housing, the nylon bottom housing meticulously softens the sound, creating a balance between clarity and warmth. This harmony means that while both switches will produce similarly resonant and bright sounds upon key release, the deeper tones become more pronounced with the nylon foundation, allowing users to enjoy rich auditory feedback regardless of their choice between these two models.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch differ significantly in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Chiikawa's lighter 28 grams, making the Chiikawa a more suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch which is easier on the fingers during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu also has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams, contrasting with the Chiikawa's 34 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu offers a more substantial resistance, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch, while the Cabbage Tofu is the heavier option, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cabbage Tofu the longer option and the Chiikawa the shorter. A longer travel distance, like that of the Cabbage Tofu, is more traditional and may offer a more substantial keypress experience, which some users prefer for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch may cater to gamers and users seeking faster response times and increased actuation speed, although it can feel more abrupt. Therefore, if one favors a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the better choice, while those desiring a deeper and more traditional key press may opt for the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 switch produces a unique auditory experience that resembles the clattering of Mahjong tiles, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This allows typists to enjoy a crisp and bright sound with each keystroke, creating an engaging feedback loop during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright sound profile, delivering a clean and high-pitched tone when activated. While both switches generate a pleasant auditory experience, the Cabbage Tofu's specific Mahjong-like quality offers a distinct personality that stands out, whereas the Chiikawa’s bright sound provides a more traditional mechanical keyboard audio.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch excels with its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics, leading to a smooth and responsive typing experience. The long 22mm spring offers a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a fluid transition between keystrokes, which enhances overall typing efficiency. On the other hand, the feel of the Chiikawa - 28g switch is less documented, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat unknown. However, given its light actuation force, it is likely to provide a responsive experience, albeit potentially lacking the deeper tactile engagement found in the Cabbage Tofu.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Cabbage Tofu provides a richer sound profile with its Mahjong-like quality. The Cabbage Tofu also stands out with its superior tactile feel, characterized by its smoothness and responsiveness. While the Chiikawa - 28g’s sound and feel remain less detailed, its light actuation force suggests it will provide a different yet enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel; both can offer satisfactory results based on their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that is both smooth and responsive, complemented by a unique clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, then the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice for you. It offers that creamy, polished feel, which many typists appreciate for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light actuation and are drawn to a brighter, crisper sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g would be more suited to your needs. Its lightweight nature makes it incredibly responsive, allowing for effortless keystrokes, which can feel liberating for both casual and competitive typists. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the overall tactile experience you desire to make the best choice between these two delightful switches.
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