KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron CJ

Overview

Introducing two popular options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches: the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Gateron CJ, another linear switch. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, allowing for a swift rebound after actuation and seamless transition between keystrokes. When typing on the Cabbage Tofu switch, you'll experience a sound profile similar to the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. With higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, typing on the Gateron CJ switch is a delight. As for sound, you'll detect a difference in the form of a lower-pitched thocky noise. While these are some general pointers highlighting the strengths of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron CJ Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing and the Gateron CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing both contribute to creating a distinct sound profile. The polycarbonate material of the Cabbage Tofu produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more resonant and clear typing experience. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the CJ offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials are designed to enhance the sound of the switches, the resulting tone differs in terms of sharpness and resonance.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon material, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the CJ incorporates a POM bottom housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. This material has a relatively more muted sound compared to nylon. The difference in bottom housing materials influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.

Although the housing materials of the Cabbage Tofu and CJ differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Cabbage Tofu's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a clear, resonant, and deep sound, while the CJ's blend of INK and POM produces a clacky yet muted sound. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the top housing tends to have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the CJ's 50 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly heavier force of 53 grams compared to the CJ's 60 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a slightly stronger push feel. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light to medium range, but the Cabbage Tofu leans towards the lighter side for actuation force and the heavier side for bottom out force. Despite the differences, individuals seeking a similar result could still find satisfaction in either switch, as the variances in force are relatively minor.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Users can expect the same level of feedback and key travel distance from both switches. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both offer a consistent 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches have a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak to them, and they also have a more moderate actuation force requirement. They offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, and they can produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, and they have a sleek and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. They provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The CJ linear switch, on the other hand, is described as mild. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the CJ switches are approachable to most typists, as they fall within a safe middle-ground zone.

Based on the given information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the CJ switch offers a chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky sound with a mild feel. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be ideal for you. If you prefer a unique acoustic signature with a more gentle typing experience, the CJ switch would be a suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer their own set of characteristics, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a unique and enjoyable presentation, the Gateron CJ linear switch would be a suitable option. Typing on the CJ switch will give you higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The sound profile of the CJ is chirpy, neutral, and low-pitched, providing a unique acoustic signature. The switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle and approachable to most typists. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron CJ switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more