KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch known for its improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound thanks to its 22mm spring, offering a unique sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, also a linear switch, boasts a fuller 3.9mm travel distance, diverging from the trend of shorter travels, and offers a bouncier feel with its 22mm spring and nylon construction resulting in a softer, bassier sound signature. While the Cabbage Tofu leans towards a more 'clacky' and 'snappy' typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U provides a 'neutral', 'subdued', and more traditional typing feel. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cabbage Tofu and Hyacinth V2U differ in their bottom housing materials, with the former using nylon and the latter using polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housings of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U are both made of polycarbonate and offer similar sound profiles, their bottom housings vary in material and affect the typing experience differently. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2U may result in a crisper and sharper sound due to its stiffness. These differences in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing, with nylon generally known for a softer typing experience compared to polycarbonate.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a crisper sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on mechanical switches can help users choose the type of sound and typing experience that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams. Both switches can be considered medium-light in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better option due to its slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly heavier key press may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Hyacinth V2U slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu. The difference may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower keypress, the Hyacinth V2U may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu offers a tad more depth in keypress, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U for $2.91.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch yields a more neutral and subdued sound, thanks to its nylon construction, delivering a softer and bassier sound signature. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the sharper tones of the Cabbage Tofu or the more mellow tones of the Hyacinth V2U.
Moving on to the feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Hyacinth V2U switches offer a polished and silky typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2U switch also offers a polished and silky feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether you prefer a switch that feels creamy and snappy or one that feels polished and silky, both options cater to a smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feels to cater to various preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Cabbage Tofu delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished feel, the Hyacinth V2U provides a neutral and subdued sound with a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound sharpness or mellow tones and whether you prefer a creamy and snappy feel or a polished and silky sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation, along with a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, along with a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U could be the optimal switch for your needs. Additionally, if you enjoy a snappy and clacky sound profile along with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu may be more suitable for you. Conversely, if you prefer a neutral and subdued sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel, the Hyacinth V2U may be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.