KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron CM

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron CM, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and capabilities. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. This results in a quicker transition between keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switches break away from convention with their full nylon housing, which delivers a richer and deeper sound signature. Along with an impeccable factory lube job, these switches promise an effortlessly smooth typing journey, creating a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The Gateron CM switches are also known for their lengthened, dual-staged spring, providing a bouncy typing experience. With a buttery and creamy sound profile, they offer a bassy and low-pitched typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron CM Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron CM differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the CM utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile when typing on the Cabbage Tofu. In contrast, nylon is a softer plastic used in the CM, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches provide different sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both offer a clear and resonant sound, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the CM employ nylon as their material of choice. This shared material results in similar sound profiles for both switches, producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's ability to absorb sound makes the bottom housing of both switches create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, whether using the Cabbage Tofu or the CM, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience while typing with the switches.

Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound of the switches, it becomes evident that the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel during key presses. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu, the user can experience a crisp and resonant sound when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the CM may result in a fuller and slightly softer sound. Meanwhile, the bottom housing, shared by both switches, contributes to a deep and full sound when pressing down on the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron CM differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Cabbage Tofu showcases the use of polycarbonate in its top housing, providing a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the CM utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, creating a similar sound experience with a duller and rounder tone. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches, with the top housing affecting the release sound and the bottom housing influencing the overall key press experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means less force is required to trigger a keystroke compared to the CM's 55 grams. Similarly, the Cabbage Tofu also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the CM has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. These differences in force can have an impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice as it allows for effortless keystrokes and is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CM switch provides a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces, giving a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the CM switch. In terms of preference, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.6mm travel distance is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. So if you prefer a more responsive feel, the CM switch with its shorter travel distance would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance is subjective and depends on individual preferences and typing styles. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances and can cater to different preferences, so you can expect slightly different experiences when using them.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This type of sound is sharp, crisp, and percussive, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound. This sound profile is deeper, richer, and more satisfying, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. If you prefer a brighter and sharper sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch is the way to go. If you prefer a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the Gateron CM switch would be a better choice. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch 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 described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This means that typing on these switches will provide a smooth and buttery experience. The keys will glide effortlessly, allowing for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the longer and dual-staged springs in these switches enhance responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. This implies that these switches also offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron CM switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the CM switch provides a bassy and thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a creamy, polished, and smooth typing experience, although the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as snappy, while the CM switch is described as frictionless. If you are looking for a sharper and brighter sound with snappy feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch will be a great choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a frictionless feel, the Gateron CM switch would be a better fit for you. However, it is important to note that the ultimate choice should also consider other factors, such as personal preferences, the keyboard board, and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened spring and swift rebound after actuation, you can expect a quicker transition between keystrokes and a bouncy typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a creamy, polished, or snappy feel when typing, the Cabbage Tofu switch will provide a smooth and buttery typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a bassy, thocky, or low-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron CM linear switch would be a suitable option. Its full nylon housing delivers a richer and deeper sound signature, and the factory lube job ensures an effortlessly smooth typing journey. The CM switch also features a lengthened, dual-staged spring, providing a bouncy typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron CM linear switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more