KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. TTC Gold Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Gold Red, both of which are linear switches. The Cabbage Tofu switch is highly regarded for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a seamless transition between keystrokes. What sets it apart is the sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, characterized as thocky, low-pitched, neutral, mild, silky, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

TTC Gold Red Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Gold Red switches are very similar. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for enhanced translucency, making it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from both switches.

Where the switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Cabbage Tofu switch features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities. Typing on both switches with nylon bottom housing will provide the same deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.

It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom housing of the switch. When pressing down on either the Cabbage Tofu or the Gold Red switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite this difference, users can expect a similar feel and overall sound experience from both switches due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.

However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu again takes the lead with a force of 53 grams, while the Gold Red requires 50 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, both the Cabbage Tofu and Gold Red would provide similar results due to their relatively low actuation forces. This lighter weight is advantageous for those who need to use their keyboard for long periods of time, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, as it has higher bottom out force compared to the Gold Red.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience and feel of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when the switch is pressed, it delivers a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright quality. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound. This results in a deep and rich sound, resembling a "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The Gold Red switch also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate tone suitable for various purposes. 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 being used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery to type on, giving a gliding sensation as the fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The silky nature of the switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, the snappy characteristic of the switch makes the typing experience feel more alive thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs.

On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience. It provides a gentle typing feel with a light-medium level of resistance. The switch has a silky and polished texture, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red switch is gentle enough to be approachable for most typists and is suitable for shared spaces as it does not create a resonant sound signature.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral option. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Gold Red switch offers a mild, subtle, silky, and polished typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics and qualities, allowing typists to choose based on their own preferences for sound and feel. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience from both switches, although with different sound profiles.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a swift rebound and quicker transition between keystrokes, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, alongside a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the better option. These switches provide a satisfying typing feel with their smoothness and reduced friction. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preferences for rebound speed, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer their own distinct benefits and can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more