KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, each with its own unique qualities that make them stand out. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a range of characteristics including clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, brings forth Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series with unbeatable quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to offer a gentle bump without disrupting your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, elevating your visual experience. Furthermore, it delivers a medium-high pitch, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown have similar housing materials, specifically in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal from both the Cabbage Tofu and the G Pro 3.0 Brown due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing as well, meaning that both switches share this quality. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a deeper and fuller experience from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the Cabbage Tofu and the G Pro 3.0 Brown offer similar sound profiles in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. However, their bottom housing materials differ. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience. Ultimately, users can expect impressive sound quality and a satisfying typing experience from both switches, but the Cabbage Tofu may have a slight advantage in terms of a potentially richer sound due to its unique nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, offering a satisfying feedback when pressing the keys fully.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter keyboard for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions might opt for the Cabbage Tofu due to its lower actuation force. The lighter touch allows for comfortable and effortless keystrokes over a longer period of time. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its slightly heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback when typing.
In summary, while the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, both switches offer a medium bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the lighter actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu being ideal for extended typing sessions, and the heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key in either switch, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance with both switches. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both share the same travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 the sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. Pressing these switches results in a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch does not have any specific information provided regarding its sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of the feel, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. With lubricant applied in the switch at the factory and specific materials used, these switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing for effortless gliding of the fingers across the keys. They also have reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the lengthened 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch contributes to its snappy and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. They offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The low-impact typing feel and gentle characteristics make these switches approachable to most users.
Considering all the available information, it can be concluded that the Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a gentle and low-impact typing experience, with an emphasis on ease of pressing and mild characteristics. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel of a switch can greatly impact the overall satisfaction of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a light and comfortable typing experience. With a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, they produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which some may find crisp and bright. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, thanks to lubrication and smooth materials. These switches are also snappy, enhancing the overall responsiveness of your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a suitable choice. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. Featuring a frosted light diffuser, they enhance the visual experience of your RGB lighting. While the sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches is not mentioned, they do deliver a satisfying auditory feedback with a medium-high pitch. In terms of feel, these switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. They provide a low-impact and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as desired sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.