KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer unique qualities and experiences to users. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. This switch offers a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with characteristics such as being clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. This switch offers a silky smooth feel and is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched. Each switch has its own unique set of qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer interesting contrasts in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials excel in enhancing the overall sound experience, the polycarbonate offers a more resonant and bright sound, while the nylon provides a deeper and rounder tonality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Cloud - 63.5g opt for nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing qualities that result in a fuller sound profile. This choice ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience with a focus on creating a more robust and tactile feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch may vary slightly between the two, with the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing potentially offering a slightly duller sound compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g differ in their top housing composition, they ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from using nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and tactile typing experience with a focus on sound absorption. Overall, while the materials may differ, both switches focus on delivering a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force while the Cloud - 63.5g needs 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. While both switches offer a different typing experience, they cater to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cabbage Tofu being slightly longer than the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Gamers might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches are described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound profiles of both switches can be crisp, bright, and percussive, perfect for those who enjoy a distinctive typing experience. However, it's essential to note that the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation, combined with a refined finish and exceptional smoothness, makes typing on the Cabbage Tofu switch a delight. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Typists can expect a spring-like rebound and reduced friction for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch may provide a swifter rebound and a creamy typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter sound profile and bouncy feedback. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, either switch can deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value improved tactility, swift rebound, and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile, a bright typing experience, and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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