KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch to the Durock Ice King linear switch, it's clear that both offer distinct advantages for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cabbage Tofu stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its unique 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. Typists will appreciate the quick transition between keystrokes and the sound profile that resembles Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube application. Both switches offer a range of desirable qualities, such as a 'silky' feel and a 'creamy' sound profile. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Ice King Linear lies in their top housing. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is known for its stiffness leading to clear and resonant sound, nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. With the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a consistent experience across both keyboards in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience regardless of which keyboard you choose.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference in sound profile. With the Cabbage Tofu offering a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Regardless of the difference in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both keyboards. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper sound profile will dictate which keyboard is the better choice for you.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch exhibit some differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Cabbage Tofu's bottom out force of 53 grams is slightly heavier than the Ice King Linear's 62 grams. This means that while the Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter initial typing experience, it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Ice King Linear. Both switches fall into the medium-light category overall in terms of force requirements. The choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4.0mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cabbage Tofu switch being on the longer side and the Ice King Linear switch being on the shorter side. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Ice King Linear switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cabbage Tofu switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth 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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 sound, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sharp and percussive sound profile can be quite distinctive and satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but definitely more understated compared to most switches. Your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Linear switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction and responsive key travel. The Ice King Linear also offers a silky typing feel, along with a frictionless and creamy experience that minimizes resistance and enhances the fluidity of key presses. Overall, both switches are designed to deliver a highly satisfying typing experience with their smooth and effortless key feel.
In conclusion, while the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Linear switches may differ in their sound profiles, they both excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be more suitable for you, while the Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued and understated sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a silky smooth sensation with minimal friction and responsive key travel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but rest assured that you can expect similar levels of typing satisfaction from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, and snappy typing feel, then the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a more subdued sound profile, and a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing feel, then the Ice King Linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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