KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch are two options worth examining. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that enables a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, users will notice a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for budget-minded individuals seeking high-quality switches, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound accompanied by remarkable smoothness right out of the box. Both switches are categorized as smooth and snappy, but the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky and creamy, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is noted for its bouncy and polished attributes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for those looking to enhance the sound of their keyboard switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In this aspect, both keyboards offer a similar performance in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Cabbage Tofu uses nylon while the V3 Cream Black Pro also utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same housing material for the bottom, the way each keyboard implements nylon may lead to subtle differences in typing feel and sound, allowing users to customize their experience based on their preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a keyboard switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the contrasting use of nylon for the bottom housing provides users with options to tailor their typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a fuller sound with nylon, both keyboards offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Cabbage Tofu provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a medium-heavy feel, giving a more substantial keystroke experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, with the Cabbage Tofu being preferred by those who prefer lighter switches and the V3 Cream Black Pro by those who prefer heavier switches for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cabbage Tofu has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suited for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variation in their travel distances. If you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be the preferred choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more hearty typing experience, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, it will depend on your personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that can be likened to Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch also provides a high-pitched sound that is described as poppy and clacky, perfectly complemented by its smoothness. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Cabbage Tofu having a sharper tone, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly more rounded sound. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a creamy typing experience that is smooth and buttery. The switches provide a silky sensation, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, both switches are described as snappy, offering superb responsiveness that makes typing feel more lively. While the Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is noted for its bouncy feedback sensation that provides a spring-like feel. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with subtle differences in feel that may appeal to different users based on their preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a sharp and clacky sound profile with increased tactility, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a poppy and clacky sound with a smoother feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent options for those seeking a budget-friendly yet high-quality mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, your decision may depend on your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, along with a swift rebound after actuation and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, then the Cabbage Tofu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, along with a unique poppy and clacky sound and notable smoothness, then the V3 Cream Black Pro could be the better option. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a creamy or smooth typing experience, both switches offer these qualities. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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