KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options to explore are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness thanks to its 22mm spring, providing a quick rebound after actuation for seamless typing. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is often likened to the satisfying clack of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a smooth and pronounced tactile bump, creating a luxurious typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. While the Cabbage Tofu is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Ice King Tactile boasts attributes like 'Silky', 'Frictionless', and 'Stepped'. Each switch brings its own unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you choose the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Ice King Tactile, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. However, the Cabbage Tofu's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's top housing is also nylon, which will provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound, the top housing materials of the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Tactile differ significantly. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing will produce a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties. This difference in top housing material will ultimately impact the overall sound and feel of each switch when typing.
It is important to note that the housing materials of the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Tactile play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, the top housing materials highlight their differences in sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, we see that the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams. Similarly, the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cabbage Tofu has the longer travel distance of the two, providing a slightly deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cabbage Tofu feeling slightly more substantial and the Ice King Tactile feeling slightly more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and performance.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a loud and clacky sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature. While sound preferences vary among users, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be preferred by those who enjoy sharp and percussive sounds, whereas the Ice King Tactile switch may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Ice King Tactile switches offer a smooth and silky typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, and snappy, providing a buttery feel with reduced friction and increased responsiveness. Similarly, the Ice King Tactile switch is noted for its silky, frictionless, and polished attributes, offering a fluid and effortless typing experience with a two-stage tactile bump for added tactility. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, users may prefer the Cabbage Tofu for its snappy responsiveness or the Ice King Tactile for its unique two-stage tactility.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a louder and more responsive typing experience with its clacky sound and snappy feel, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with its subdued sound and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and tactility from both switches, but may lean towards one over the other based on their specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Cabbage Tofu if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a creamy, polished, silky, or snappy typing feel. This switch offers improved tactility, swift rebounds, and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, opt for the Ice King Tactile if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a subdued sound profile, and a silky, frictionless, stepped, or polished typing feel. This switch elevates tactile typing to an art form with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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