KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Everglide Crystal Violet

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Cabbage Tofu is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switches is described as reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky and high-pitched texture. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches from Everglide are crafted with a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With their gentle and comfortable feel, these switches offer a pleasant and mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, enhanced by the special use of ABS in the switches' housings. Both switches have their merits and offer unique characteristics, making it essential to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, which yields a relatively low-pitched sound profile. ABS is a less common material for switch housings but is commonly used in keycaps.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon material, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This ABS material also produces a relatively low-pitched sound when typing.

While the top and bottom housings differ for the two switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material impact different aspects of the switch. Pressing down on a switch will primarily reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu and the Crystal Violet have different housing materials, the overall experience may still result in similar outcomes depending on the specific usage and preferences of the user.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch are quite similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures a consistent and responsive typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight difference between the two. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams. These forces indicate the weight required to fully press down the keys. In this comparison, the Cabbage Tofu is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for individuals who prefer more resistance while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, ensuring a similar typing experience, but the Cabbage Tofu is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Crystal Violet.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of movement. Both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience with their equal travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sharp sound profile is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adding a distinct auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound. The sound leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is partly due to the rare use of ABS in the switch housing. It is important to note that factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps also influence the overall sound of the switches. Despite the differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer a creamy typing experience. This means they provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch construction. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, with each keystroke melting into the next. The Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as having a polished and snappy feel, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a mild and stepped tactile typing experience. The mild characteristics ensure a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the stepped design provides a subtle sensation of pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, both switches deliver a smooth and comfortable typing feel with their unique characteristics.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp and bright, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a mellow and low-pitched sound. Both switches provide a creamy typing experience, allowing for smooth and buttery key presses. The Cabbage Tofu switch also offers a polished and snappy feel, while the Crystal Violet switch provides a mild and stepped tactile experience. Depending on personal preference, one can choose between the sharper and more lively characteristics of the Cabbage Tofu switch or the gentler and more approachable qualities of the Crystal Violet switch. Regardless, both switches guarantee a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, the decision between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, then the Cabbage Tofu switch would be your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a creamy, mild, and stepped feel, then the Crystal Violet switch would be the ideal option for you. Consider the sound and feel that aligns with your preferences and make your decision accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more