KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch are both noteworthy options to explore. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, with a swift rebound after actuation thanks to its 22mm spring. This results in a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch from TTC stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to keystrokes. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', this switch offers a feathery bottom-out of just 47g for swift and effortless typing. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point for decision-making, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Flaming Purple, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Cabbage Tofu uses nylon while the Flaming Purple also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that both switches will likely have a duller and rounder sound due to the properties of nylon. While the top housing of a switch has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Cabbage Tofu and the Flaming Purple results in slightly different sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of their respective housing materials, showcasing how the combination of different materials can impact the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of the Cabbage Tofu or the fuller sound of the Flaming Purple, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Flaming Purple switch with 42 grams, making the Cabbage Tofu feel slightly heavier when initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force while the Flaming Purple only needs 47 grams, making the Flaming Purple the lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Flaming Purple may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu switch. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a shallower key press, the Flaming Purple may be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more traditional and slightly deeper key press, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a similar feel, with the only notable distinction being the minor 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 has a clacky and high-pitched profile that produces a crisp and bright sound when pressed, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as bassy, low-pitched, and resonant, offering a deeper and richer sound profile with a touch of a poppy undertone. The Flaming Purple provides a clean and sharp auditory experience that veers slightly towards the bassier end of the spectrum. While the Cabbage Tofu has a sharp and snappy sound, the Flaming Purple offers a more immersive and engaging auditory flair, catering to different sound preferences.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The smooth and buttery feel of the switch, along with its lubricant application and smooth key travel, allows for a silky sensation while typing. On the contrary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering an exceptionally light actuation force that requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a sharp and snappy sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Flaming Purple switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a feathery and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy typing feel or a bassy and resonant sound with a feathery typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar or different results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a swift rebound for enhanced tactility and responsiveness, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, opt for the Cabbage Tofu. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force for effortless typing, a resonant and slightly bassier sound profile, along with a feathery and silky smooth typing feel, then the Flaming Purple might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
