KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, two noteworthy contenders being the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Elf, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The KTT Cabbage Tofu stands out with its unique 22mm spring that ensures an improved tactility and responsiveness, resulting in a swift rebound after actuation. This feature allows typists to experience a rapid transition between keystrokes, complemented by a distinct sound profile that is often likened to the gentle collision of Mahjong tiles. Conversely, the Huano Elf offers a different approach with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature. The Elf’s medium-light feel provides a satisfying typing experience, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback without compromising on comfort. While both switches boast their own distinct features—one focusing on snappy responsiveness and the other on deeper acoustics—choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Elf, it is evident that they diverge significantly in their top housing choices, while sharing a commonality in their bottom housing. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency allows for optimal interaction with RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing as well as acoustically vibrant. In contrast, the Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a higher coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, contributing to a smooth and distinct clacky typing sound. While the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes crispness due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, the Huano Elf's POK material enhances the overall tactile experience through its unique strength and smoothness.
Both switches adopt nylon for their bottom housing, which is a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community due to its sound qualities. The nylon bottom of both the Cabbage Tofu and Huano Elf creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting from nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared feature provides a consistent auditory experience between the two switches at the bottom-out phase, despite their differing top housing materials. As such, both switches will exhibit a deep sound while firmly bottoming out, reflecting the characteristics intrinsic to the nylon material.
The combination of these materials in the two switches leads to distinct yet cohesive sound profiles. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly pronounced when the switch is engaged, allowing the nylon to dominate the lower frequencies and roundness of the sound. Meanwhile, the varying top materials shape the overall experience differently when releasing a key. The sharper, more resonant sound from the polycarbonate top of the Cabbage Tofu contrasts with the smoother and clackier profile of the Huano Elf’s POK top. Ultimately, the contrasting qualities of their top housings create a diverse auditory palette, enriched by the consistent foundation provided by their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cabbage Tofu features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Huano Elf is lighter at 42 grams. This difference means that for typists who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Elf may be more appealing, allowing for less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its tactile experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means the Cabbage Tofu provides a definitive feedback when fully depressed, contributing to its medium-light feel overall. In summary, if you favor a lighter switch with potentially less resistance, the Huano Elf is the better choice, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a more substantial bottoming out experience for those who enjoy a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cabbage Tofu features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional feel with a deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a quicker, more responsive keypress, often appealing to gamers looking for faster reaction times. Consequently, if you're someone who values depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, while the Huano Elf might be more suitable for those who appreciate the benefits of a shorter travel distance.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched quality, producing a sharp and percussive sound that some typists find particularly satisfying. It resembles the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a crisp auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This brightness can be appealing for users who prefer a more lively and engaging sound while typing. The Huano Elf switch, on the other hand, is known for its deep sound signature, which suggests a rich, resonant quality that contrasts with the sharper tones of the Tofu. However, without specific descriptors for the Elf’s sound, it remains unclear how it performs in comparison.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy and silky typing experience, which feels smooth and buttery due to either factory-applied lubricant or specific material choices. The typing action is snappy, making the switch responsive and providing a lively sensation with each keystroke. This culminates in an overall impression of a very premium typing experience. The feel of the Huano Elf switch isn't detailed in the information provided, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile sensations. Therefore, any conclusions about how the Elf compares in terms of feel would be speculative.
In conclusion, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and smooth, snappy feel, the sound and feel characteristics of the Huano Elf switch remain unspecified in the provided details. If you prioritize a more bright, audible feedback while typing, the Cabbage Tofu is likely the better fit. Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference; if you enjoy a particular quality, you might achieve similar results depending on your overall keyboard setup, including board and keycap choices, particularly with the Huano Elf, which is known for its substantial acoustic qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. The Cabbage Tofu, with its medium-light 53 grams bottom-out force, offers a responsive and tactile experience that many typists appreciate, especially for those who value quick transitions between keystrokes. Its creamy, silky feel combined with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for fast-paced typists or those who enjoy a distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a deeper sound signature and you’re looking for a more immersive acoustic experience, the Huano Elf might be the better choice. Although it lacks a specified bottom-out force, the POK top housing is designed to enhance acoustics, making it suitable for those who prioritize a satisfying, medium-light feel in a quieter setting. In summary, if you favor a quick, snappy response with a bright sound, go for the Cabbage Tofu; however, if you lean towards deeper tones and a satisfying typing experience without as much auditory emphasis, the Huano Elf could be your perfect match.
Mentioned in this article
