KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT F2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu switch is praised for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. This results in a quick transition between keystrokes, accompanied by a sound profile similar to Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the F2 switches stand out for their distinct hollow sound signature and medium-light weightiness, offering a comfortable typing experience with lightly textured keystrokes. While the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the F2 switch is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Subtle'. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT F2 feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting in switches. However, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the F2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile consistent with its top housing material.
The differences in housing materials between the Cabbage Tofu and the F2 impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a different typing experience compared to the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches ensures a similar sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile when pressing down on the keys. This split in housing materials demonstrates how different components of a switch can affect the overall typing experience.
In summary, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT F2 utilize polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience, while the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency with the sharper sound profile of its top housing. The unique combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall tactile and auditory feedback when typing, providing users with diverse options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, we find that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 53 grams. However, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the F2's 43 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu is slightly heavier, although both switches fall into the medium-light category. The weight of a switch can affect typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches should offer a similar typing experience due to their comparable bottom out force, but users may notice a slight difference in actuation force between the two.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT F2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cabbage Tofu's 4 mm travel distance is on the more traditional side, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the F2's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. However, for some users, a shorter travel distance may feel too abrupt. In general, if you prefer a switch with a more traditional feel and depth, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, while the F2 would be suitable if you prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, similar to Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT F2 linear switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound, which is more moderate and dampened compared to the Cabbage Tofu. Both switches display unique sound characteristics, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky sensations, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a feathery, mild, and subtle feel, with a lighter typing experience that is gentle and comfortable for extended use. Both switches bring distinct tactile nuances to the typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT F2 linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with creamy and polished typing feel, the F2 switch offers a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and subtle typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the KTT F2 linear switch, your decision should ultimately be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with improved tactility and a swift rebound after actuation, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a switch with a distinct hollow sound signature, a lightly textured feel, and a feathery or subtle typing experience, then the F2 switch might be more suited to your needs. Both switches offer medium-light bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or sound profile in your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing requirements.