KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as two top contenders in their respective categories. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is praised for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring which provides a swift rebound after actuation. This results in a quick transition between keystrokes, accompanied by a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, offers sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, but in order to make an informed decision on which one is right for you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Invyr Holy Panda are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are ideal for RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Holy Panda also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, so both switches share this quality in common.
Despite sharing similar polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Invyr Holy Panda still offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu's top housing contributes more to the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This split between top and bottom housing qualities allows for a varied typing experience that showcases the best of both materials. In comparison, the Holy Panda's top and bottom housings likely offer a similar division of qualities, ensuring a balanced and satisfying typing feel for users.
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Invyr Holy Panda benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a sharper, crisper sound profile that is especially suited for RGB lighting. The inclusion of nylon in the bottom housings of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience, with the softer material absorbing more sound for a rounder sound profile. While there are some differences in how these housing materials impact the sound and feel of each switch, both the Cabbage Tofu and Holy Panda offer a high-quality typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Holy Panda is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force for the Holy Panda is unknown, but regardless of that, it is clear that the Holy Panda requires a stronger push compared to the Cabbage Tofu. The Cabbage Tofu provides a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Holy Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight preference for the desired level of feedback and comfort during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a similar overall typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Holy Panda, you can achieve comparable results in terms of 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 Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, showcasing a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. If you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound profile, both switches offer similar results with their clacky and tactile nature.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is recognized for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. The extended 22mm spring in the switch contributes to a snappy and responsive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Contrarily, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is described as delivering an accented, invigorating, and sharp tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches aim to provide tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and responsiveness.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch emphasizes a snappy rebound and a clacky sound profile, the Holy Panda switch focuses on pronounced feedback and a bright "clack" sound with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prefer a creamy and snappy typing experience with the Cabbage Tofu switch or an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with the Holy Panda switch, both switches provide distinct qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, you should take into account the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a swift rebound after actuation for quick transitions between keystrokes, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke, along with an accented and sharp tactile feel, the Holy Panda switch might be more in line with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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