KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch to the Akko Fairy linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Cabbage Tofu is well-known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a 22mm spring for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quick transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Fairy switches from Akko are praised for their factory-applied lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience, perfect for office environments. The Fairy switches also offer a medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making them ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will ultimately allow you to choose the best one for your needs.
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko Fairy switches exhibit interesting differences. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties. While the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound suitable for RGB lighting effects, the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a more muted and rounded sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Akko Fairy switches employ nylon materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This means that, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound when pressing down on a key.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko Fairy switches differ in terms of their sound characteristics, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This leads to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Whether preferring the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Cabbage Tofu requiring 53 grams and the Fairy needing 60 grams. The Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Fairy offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by users looking for a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cabbage Tofu's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference - whether you prioritize depth in your key presses or opt for a faster, more responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of functionality despite the variance in 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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a sharper sound while the Fairy gives a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for office environments.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with enhanced smoothness and responsiveness. In comparison, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished, mild, and subtle feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and light resistance. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Cabbage Tofu emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness, while the Fairy focuses on a gentle and approachable feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities catered to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and snappy feel, prioritizing responsiveness and smoothness. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy offers a muted and neutral sound with a polished and subtle feel, focusing on a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a sharper sound and enhanced responsiveness with the Cabbage Tofu, or a quieter sound and gentle typing experience with the Akko Fairy.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth typing experience with refined lubrication, medium weight for comfortable extended use, and a muted and neutral sound profile, the Akko Fairy switch would be more suitable for your office setting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and environment you prefer.
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