KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g exemplify two intriguing options in the realm of linear switches, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its unique tactility and enhanced responsiveness, thanks to its 22mm spring that promotes swift actuation and rebound, making it a fantastic choice for typists seeking a smooth and efficient typing experience. Additionally, the sound emitted by the Cabbage Tofu mimics the delightful clatter of Mahjong tiles, which can add a playful auditory element to your typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g showcases an exceptionally light actuation force coupled with a bright sound profile, allowing for fast and effortless keystrokes. The Chiikawa’s crisp, high-pitched feedback is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more cheerful clicking sound while they type. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them suitable for different user experiences; the Cabbage Tofu excels in providing a polished typing feel, while the Chiikawa captures attention with its airy and vibrant acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
51g
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 - 45g switches exhibit a remarkable similarity, particularly in their top and bottom housing components. Both models feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of the polycarbonate allows for better sound resonance, making each keystroke more defined. Additionally, their translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, contributing to a visually appealing gaming or typing experience. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a similarly bright and clear sound when typing or gaming with either switch, giving both options a distinctive advantage for those who value auditory feedback and aesthetics.
In contrast to the identical properties of their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches also reinforce their shared sound characteristics but with a different acoustic profile. Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Chiikawa - 45g utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer composition. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic quality. This design choice reflects a balance; while the polycarbonate top shells produce clarity and brightness, the nylon bottoms add warmth and depth. Consequently, both switches provide a well-rounded auditory experience that appeals to different preferences.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the combination of materials leads to a harmonious blend of sound characteristics. The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches reflect a duality in their construction—each with a crisp top and a warm bottom. As a result, both models balance the sharpness from the polycarbonate with the richness from the nylon, delivering a sound that is both complex and satisfying. Users can expect a consistent typing experience with clear top-out sounds accentuated by the warm bottom-out tones, making both switches highly competitive in the realm of mechanical keyboards despite their unique branding.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we find some intriguing similarities and a few differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar when it comes to the initial act of pressing a key. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding responsiveness. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher force of 53 grams, compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams. This indicates that while both switches are considered medium-light, the Cabbage Tofu may provide a slightly more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches cater to users who prefer lighter forces for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Chiikawa would ultimately be the lighter option due to its marginally lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Cabbage Tofu offers a more substantial depth when pressed compared to the Chiikawa, which provides a quicker and potentially more responsive keystroke due to its shorter distance. For gamers or those who favor swift key presses, the Chiikawa may be the better option, while users who prefer a more tactile experience might lean towards the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or depth in their typing experience.
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 - 45g 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 - 45g 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 switches produce a clacky and high-pitched auditory signature, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, which results in a bright, crisp sound profile. This makes them quite appealing for users who prefer a snappy acoustic feedback, with each keystroke delivering a clear and percussive echo. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches are characterized by their bright sound profile and are noted for producing a high-pitched sound, making them also well-suited for those who appreciate a clear auditory response while typing. Both switches share a high-pitched quality, ensuring that typists will experience a satisfying and pronounced sound that elevates their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches are celebrated for their creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. The combination of a longer 22mm spring and a smooth internal finish results in a buttery and responsive typing experience, allowing for swift transitions between keystrokes. This offers a sense of fluidity and a lively tactile response, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. Unfortunately, there’s limited information about the feel of the Chiikawa - 45g switches, but given their praise for light actuation force and responsiveness, they likely provide a different but potentially satisfying tactile experience. Users may find that both types of switches offer distinct sensory delights, but the Cabbage Tofu excels in a pronounced and luxurious typing sensation.
In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches provide engaging auditory and tactile experiences, with the Cabbage Tofu distinguished by its clacky sound and luxurious feel, while the Chiikawa - 45g delivers a crisp auditory response complemented by its light actuation. Those who enjoy a pronounced, bright sound along with a smooth typing experience may gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu, while others might appreciate the Chiikawa - 45g for its lightweight actuation and bright sound. Ultimately, both switches can yield satisfying results depending on your preferences, with similarities in sound quality and potential differences in tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth, creamy, and responsive typing experience with a slightly deeper clack, the Cabbage Tofu would be an excellent fit for you. Its longer spring facilitates swift actuation, allowing for quick transitions that are especially favored by those who type rapidly or engage in gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force and cherish a bright, crisp auditory feedback, the Chiikawa - 45g should be your go-to choice. Its more delicate actuation weight combined with its high-pitched sound profile makes it perfect for typists who enjoy a lighter and more airy feel in their keystrokes. In essence, your decision should reflect your typing style—whether you prioritize responsiveness and a richer sound with the Cabbage Tofu, or a light and airy tactile experience with the Chiikawa.
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