KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a quick rebound after actuation, allowing for swift transitions between keystrokes. Typists will also appreciate the sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, which adds a unique auditory experience to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience. With a sound signature similar to a spray paint can being shaken, it adds a touch of nostalgia to each keypress. While both switches fall under the linear switch category and share qualities such as being clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers an additional creamy attribute. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as "clacky." While both switches provide a higher-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate housing might have a slightly clearer resonance, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing offers a unique and satisfying clacky sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. Both switches offer a thin and higher-pitched sound, but the Cabbage Tofu's nylon housing might provide a slightly deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing maintains the clacky characteristic.

When it comes to the impact on the overall switch experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. While the specific materials used in each switch differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch in their respective ways. Whether it is the sharper and crisper sound of the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing or the clacky sound of the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend housing, both provide unique auditory experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ink Box Black requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu will register a keystroke with a lighter touch, allowing for a quicker and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force, which may give a more substantial and tactile feel during typing.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Ink Box Black requires a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that when fully pressing down the keys, the Ink Box Black will require more force to reach the bottom compared to the Cabbage Tofu. This heavier bottom out force can give a more satisfying and solid feel to the keystrokes for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience.

In summary, the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Ink Box Black. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and value comfort during longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, which appeals to users seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences, ensuring that users can achieve the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. These distances indicate that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The Cabbage Tofu's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional standard, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more suitable for gamers who value fast response times. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black allows for quicker key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize faster responsiveness, the Ink Box Black may be the preferable option. However, if you enjoy a deeper key press and prefer a more substantial feel, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance would be a better choice for you. Both switches offer unique experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches produce a clacky, sharp, and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and even percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, while the sound profiles of these switches are similar, the final result may vary depending on the setup.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, almost like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness can be attributed to factors such as lubrication applied in the factory and specific materials used. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, indicating its high responsiveness. The Gateron Ink Box Black switch, on the other hand, offers a silky and polished typing experience. It also enhances smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a refined and sleek feel during typing, making them highly desirable for those seeking a smooth typing experience.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches share several similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both produce a clacky sound that is sharp and crisp. Additionally, they offer a smooth and polished typing experience, characterized by factors such as creaminess, silkiness, and reduced friction. While the sound profiles may differ slightly due to other factors, the overall subjective qualities of these switches are quite comparable. Therefore, if one is looking for a switch with similar sound and feel, either of these options would provide satisfactory results.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you will experience a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel that effortlessly melts into each keystroke.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that is incredibly smooth and creamy, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a slightly heavier touch. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is also described as clacky and high-pitched, similar to the Cabbage Tofu. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black offers a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing friction when pressing and releasing keys.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Box Black will depend on your preference for spring weight, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics that align with your desired typing experience to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more