KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Cream Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a faster transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch emits a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to produce a distinctive clacky sound, accompanied by resonant audio feedback. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to this unique auditory experience. Furthermore, the Cream Yellow switch has a bouncy typing feel, categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Cream Yellow, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, are identical. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an attractive visual effect when combined with RGB lighting.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, while the Cream Yellow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, pressing down on the Cabbage Tofu switch will offer a deeper and fuller sound experience due to the qualities of its nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing material becomes more significant. Since both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, the sound when letting go of a key will be comparable between the Cabbage Tofu and the Cream Yellow. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a more pronounced sound effect, adding to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Cream Yellow share the same polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing materials, with the Cabbage Tofu utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Cream Yellow also utilizes nylon for a duller and rounder sound. Nonetheless, the impact on the sound when releasing a key will be consistent between the two switches due to the identical polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 50 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a weightier force of 53 grams, while the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that the Cream Yellow requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight preference, those who prefer a lighter switch will find the Cabbage Tofu more suitable as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In terms of similarities, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, albeit with slight variations. While the actuation forces differ by 5 grams, the bottom out forces differ by 5 grams as well. In terms of weight, it can be observed that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter for both actuation and bottom out forces, making it the lighter option overall. Conversely, the Cream Yellow can be considered the heavier alternative. These differences in forces provide users with options that cater to their specific preferences and typing styles, allowing them to choose the switch that best suits their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cabbage Tofu's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a depth of feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Cabbage Tofu's longer travel distance may be preferred as it provides a sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch offers a sharp and snappy sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch also produces a clacky sound when pressed. Although there is less information provided about its sound profile, it can be assumed that it will also offer a crisp and percussive sound, similar to the Cabbage Tofu switch. So, if you are looking for a clacky sound, both switches will provide similar results.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These qualities indicate that this switch provides a smooth and refined feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The longer and dual-staged springs in this switch also make the typing experience feel more lively and responsive. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is described as bouncy. This means that it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Cream Yellow switch offers a unique bouncy feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch seems to provide a more versatile experience with its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy qualities.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch have some distinct subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its swift rebound after actuation, providing a quicker transition between keystrokes, and produces a clacky sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. It offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and enhanced overall smoothness. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound and offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. While the Cream Yellow switch's feel is focused on providing a bouncy sensation, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a wider range of qualities for a more versatile typing experience. However, if the clacky sound is the primary consideration, both switches will provide a similar result. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu with its 53-gram bottom out force would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Cream Yellow with its 58-gram bottom out force would be more suitable.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu would be a better option.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. It is also super responsive, thanks to its longer spring. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. It offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Cream Yellow will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu would be the ideal switch for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a clacky sound, and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice. Consider what factors are most important to you in your typing experience and make a decision based on your preferences.