KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, facilitating a quicker transition between keystrokes. Furthermore, the Cabbage Tofu switch emits a distinct sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a choice of various categories including clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is a classic linear option that has earned a strong following within the mechanical keyboard community. Its smooth downstroke and rich clack make it an enticing choice for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. Categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, this switch provides a different auditory experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While still producing a satisfying clacky noise, the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly softer sound profile compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder profile. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which maintains the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound. However, the bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound and feel, with the Ink Black V2 offering a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound during typing.
While the housing materials differ between the Cabbage Tofu and the Ink Black V2, they both exhibit characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switch. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound upon key release, with the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Black V2's proprietary blend offers a slightly less sharp profile. On the other hand, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Cabbage Tofu's nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound, and the Ink Black V2's blend maintaining a pointed and high-pitched clacky sound. Although different, both switches offer unique qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke on the former. Similarly, the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a heavier 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for extended periods may find the Cabbage Tofu more suitable for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced typing experience may lean towards the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on one's personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as "clacky" and "high-pitched." This means that when you press a key, it will produce a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as "low-pitched," "bassy," and "chirpy." This means that the sound produced by this switch is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Cabbage Tofu. It has a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range. Additionally, it has a unique acoustic signature that gives it a little squeak. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as "creamy," "polished," "silky," and "snappy." This means that typing on this switch will offer a smooth and buttery experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, with each keystroke having a silky sensation. The switch has reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Its longer 22mm spring also provides a snappy response, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as "mild" and "polished." This means that the typing experience will be more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, offering a approachable sound and feel. Like the Cabbage Tofu, it also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offer different subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound. It also offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, giving a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound with a little squeak. Its feel is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound with a snappier feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a better choice. If you prefer a mellower and bassier sound with a more mild and approachable feel, the Ink Black V2 switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, there are a few factors to consider. The Cabbage Tofu switch is best known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is a classic linear switch that offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu. The sound profile of the Ink Black V2 is described as low-pitched, bassy, and even chirpy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with improved tactility, a swift rebound, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you value a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke, a rich clack, and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a better fit. Consider your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel when making your decision.
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