KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Deep Navy both cater to enthusiasts seeking the finest in tactile feedback and auditory experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, primarily recognized for its enhanced tactility and rapid responsiveness, features a longer 22mm spring that delivers a satisfying and swift rebound after each keystroke, providing an engaging typing feel that some might liken to the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding—definitely a delight for those who appreciate a clacky and creamy sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches are designed for those who prefer a rich, sharp auditory experience, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem, which contribute to a notably smooth typing sensation. While the Cabbage Tofu offers a vibrant, polished feedback, the Deep Navy is ideal for users who desire a more subdued yet still crisp sound. Ultimately, both switches have unique offerings that cater to different preferences, making the decision a matter of personal taste. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Deep Navy switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, yielding different auditory experiences during use. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its high stiffness and translucency, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it especially suited for situations where RGB lighting is used, enhancing the aesthetic appeal along with the acoustic clarity. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, a more traditional material that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound, producing a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the crispness offered by polycarbonate.

While both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, this similarity emphasizes the contribution of the unique top materials in shaping each switch's sound characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing continues to foster a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the brighter tone produced by its polycarbonate top. The HMX Deep Navy, with the same nylon bottom housing, further enhances this roundness and depth. Given that both switches have nylon in their bottom sections, they will share similar acoustic properties, especially in terms of sound absorption and overall tactile feedback when pressed down.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Deep Navy switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles, while also revealing their fundamental similarities. The difference between a high-pitched clarity and a deeper resonance largely arises from the choice of top materials. However, in terms of bottom housing, both switches benefit from the proven sound dampening properties of nylon. This shared characteristic ensures a consistent quality in feel and sound at the moment of bottoming out, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that merges their individual acoustic signatures.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users may find the Deep Navy to be easier to press down, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is superior at 53 grams, providing a firmer keystroke feel when pressed fully compared to the Deep Navy's 45 grams. Overall, for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience with quicker actuation, the HMX Deep Navy is the preferable choice, while those desiring more substantial feedback may gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional travel distance often favored for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prioritize quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. This shorter distance may result in a more abrupt feel that some users might find less appealing if they prefer a greater tactile depth. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch with a more robust, reassuring depth, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the better choice, while the HMX Deep Navy will be favorable for those who value speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch has a distinct clacky and high-pitched profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound creates an engaging auditory experience that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a rich and sharp sound profile, specific details about its sound characteristics are not available. Given the nature of sound in mechanical switches, it's important to note that the overall auditory experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, which means both switches could potentially be tailored to suit your preferences in sound.

When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu excels with its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. These descriptors reveal a typing experience that is smooth and responsive, allowing for quick keystroke transitions and a satisfying tactile sensation. The lengthened 22mm spring significantly contributes to this responsiveness, enhancing the overall typing experience. The feel of the HMX Deep Navy switch is unspecified; hence, its tactile qualities remain unknown. This absence of detail makes it difficult to compare with the tactile feedback provided by the Cabbage Tofu.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch stands out for its vibrant sound and exceptional feel, making it a preferred choice for users seeking a lively typing experience. Although the HMX Deep Navy switch boasts a different sound profile, its tactile qualities are currently unclear. Users looking for specific auditory or tactile characteristics may find themselves leaning toward the Cabbage Tofu, as it offers a comprehensive sensory experience, while the Deep Navy may require additional exploration to fully appreciate its qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a responsive, snappy feel combined with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. Its lengthened spring design provides a swift rebound, making it ideal for typists who appreciate quick transitions between keystrokes and a tactile, creamy typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch with a bottom out force of just 45 grams, the Deep Navy switch stands out for its silky smoothness and rich sound profile, characterized by its full nylon construction. This makes it an ideal option for users who prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing sensation and prefer a quiet, refined auditory experience. In essence, choose the Cabbage Tofu if you relish a more tactile interaction and crisper sound, while the Deep Navy is your go-to if you're looking for effortless keystrokes and a smoother vibe.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more