KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness with its lengthened 22mm spring, providing typists with a swift rebound after actuation for a faster typing experience. Known for its clacky, high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, this switch appeals to those who prefer a polished and silky feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro from Akko is a budget-friendly option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel right out of the box. Ideal for those who enjoy an easy-to-press, feathery typing experience with a bouncy and snappy response, this switch provides a creamy tactile feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro are both composed of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both keyboards. However, the Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different plastic compositions can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, providing users with options to suit their preferences for keyboard acoustics.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard can significantly influence the sound profile and typing experience. Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro benefit from the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and resonant sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller tone. Ultimately, the housing materials of a keyboard play a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel and sound quality, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The lighter actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance. In essence, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the main distinction being the slight difference in weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cream Yellow Pro's 3.3 mm. The Cabbage Tofu's 0.7 mm longer travel distance may provide a slightly more prolonged key press experience compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. For those who prefer a deeper key press sensation, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, who prefer a more responsive key press. In this case, opting for the Cream Yellow Pro would result in a quicker key press action. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired key press 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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and percussive auditory experience resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for offering a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience right out of the box. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, affecting the overall sound signature of the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance. Users can expect effortless keystrokes and a buttery sensation while typing on these switches. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a light and responsive typing feel ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience suited for different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch emphasizes a creamy and snappy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch focuses on providing an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel accompanied by a poppy and clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback, users can select between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Cabbage Tofu if you prioritize improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as a swift rebound after actuation for quicker keystrokes. If you enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding and prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu is the way to go. On the other hand, opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel. The Cream Yellow Pro offers an easy-to-press, feathery experience with bouncy and snappy attributes that enhance the typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.