KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Glory Red stand out as interesting options among linear switches, each catering to different typing preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that promotes a swift rebound after actuation, making it ideal for those who favor rapid keystrokes. Its sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adds a unique auditory element that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red is known for its lightweight feel and smooth keystroke, providing a pleasing travel distance that contributes to a relaxed yet enjoyable typing encounter. While both switches offer distinctive attributes—Cabbage Tofu excelling in tactile feedback and sound, and Glory Red prioritizing a smoother, lighter touch—the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 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
45g
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Glory Red, it is evident that they utilize different materials for the top housing, while their bottom housings are both made of nylon. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clearer and more resonant due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This effect is especially noticeable when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which evokes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, greatly differing in character from the Cabbage Tofu's sound profile.
However, both switches share the same housing material for their bottoms—nylon. This similarity means that both the Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Glory Red will provide a fuller sound during key presses, thanks to nylon's properties that absorb sound and create a softer bottom-out feel. Even though the top housings differ markedly in material — one being crisp and vibrant and the other being warm and subdued — the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will have comparable characteristics when it comes to the sensations and sounds experienced when bottoming out. The consistency in bottom housing material contributes to a baseline feel that remains constant across both products.
In essence, the differences in top housing materials between the two switches will lead to distinct sound profiles during typing. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, with its polycarbonate top, will shine more brightly in terms of sound resonance and will likely appeal to users who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback, particularly with RGB setups. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Red will provide a fuller and warmer sound experience, ideally suitable for users who prefer a quieter and more muted typing experience. Despite these contrasts, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a commonality in feel upon key bottom-out, resulting in a diverse yet interconnected range of experiences depending on the user's preference for tonal qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them equally responsive for triggering keystrokes. However, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a slightly stronger resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, so we cannot directly compare how these switches feel when fully engaged.
In terms of weight, both switches can be classified as medium-light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, since the Cabbage Tofu is the only switch with a defined bottom out force, it suggests a heavier feel upon final key depression compared to the Glory Red, which limits the ability to determine its overall typing experience. If you prioritize a more substantial force for a firmer typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a more pronounced keypress experience, offering a deeper feel, which can be preferred by those who appreciate a sturdier engagement when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red can lead to quicker actuation, making it a potentially more responsive choice for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference—if you favor the traditional feel of a longer travel distance, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better fit, whereas if you appreciate speed and agility in your keystrokes, the Gateron Glory Red may suit you best.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched profile, reminiscent of the sharp snap of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sound gives off a crisp and bright tone that is both lively and engaging, appealing to those who enjoy an auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving its acoustic characteristics less defined. Since the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the board and keycaps used, a user may still achieve a pleasant auditory experience with both switches, but the Cabbage Tofu is likely to provide that distinct clackiness favored by enthusiasts.
When it comes to the feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a remarkably creamy and polished sensation, characterized by a smooth and silky typing experience. This is enhanced by the switch's longer 22mm spring, contributing to its snappy responsiveness, which results in an energized typing rhythm. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Red switch lacks a detailed description regarding its tactile feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, users who appreciate the tactile feedback and smooth transitions typically found in linear switches will find the Cabbage Tofu's qualities quite satisfying.
In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu excels in both sound and feel, delivering a crisp, lively auditory experience and a silky, responsive touch when typing. The Gateron Glory Red, while fewer details are available, can still offer a pleasurable typing experience but may not match the distinctive profile provided by the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, for a user seeking engaging tactile feedback and sound, the Cabbage Tofu clearly has an edge, while the Glory Red may suit those looking for a simpler, smoother experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a more tactile and responsive experience, the Cabbage Tofu is likely your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and improved tactility make it ideal for typists who enjoy swift rebounds and a lively typing feel, all while producing a satisfying, clacky sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. This switch is particularly beneficial for users who type frequently and want a smooth, creamy, polished, and snappy character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a smoother, simpler experience without much auditory feedback, the Gateron Glory Red switches may be more suited to your needs. While they have a lighter feel, they deliver a pleasant typing experience with a pleasing travel distance, perfect for gamers or those who prioritize speed and consistency. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value tactile feedback and auditory engagement or prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience.
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