KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, also a linear switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness due to its elongated 22mm spring. This allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a faster transition between keystrokes. Typists who prefer a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding will appreciate the Cabbage Tofu switch's clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, snappy characteristics.

On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch stands out with its beautiful translucent design and smooth feel. Compared to other mechanical switches, it offers a lighter typing experience. When using the Ink Box Pink switch, typists will notice a higher-pitched clack. Its sound profile is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, polished.

While these general pointers can help in considering which switch might suit your preferences, let's now delve deeper into their specific qualities to make the best decision for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Described as clacky, this blend offers a satisfying and thin sound profile.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements its top housing. Both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink contribute to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, without being overly sharp. The blend creates a satisfying and clacky sound experience.

While the Cabbage Tofu and the Ink Box Pink differ in their housing materials, the impact of each housing on the sound and feel of the switch is present in both. Pressing down on the switch allows you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the specific housing material, both switches will provide a unique and tailored sound profile that enhances the typing experience.

Weight

When it comes to the actuation force and bottom out force, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have some similarities and differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu is also lighter with 53 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation force, allowing for faster and smoother keystrokes. Additionally, the lighter bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions.

On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, as the increased force required can provide a satisfying feedback.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Ink Box Pink more appealing. It's worth noting that both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, so individuals seeking similar results in terms of typing experience can expect comparable performance from either option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch distances, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and faster typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, both switches exhibit a clacky sound profile when pressed. They produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, both switches have a high-pitched sound characteristic, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, it is important to note that the actual sound produced by the switches can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This suggests that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mention of a snappy feel indicates that the Cabbage Tofu switch is highly responsive, which can make the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished. This implies that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with enhanced smoothness, reduced resistance, and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound, with a clacky and high-pitched profile. In terms of feel, while the descriptions for the Cabbage Tofu are more varied, both switches are characterized as silky and polished, providing a smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar sound and feel, either switch would be a suitable choice. However, it is essential to note that individual preferences may vary, and the ultimate decision should be based on personal preference and requirements.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness, making it a great option for those who value quick transitions between keystrokes. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. When using the Cabbage Tofu, you can expect a clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. It is known for its smooth and lighter typing feel, and it provides a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Cabbage Tofu being described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, while the Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, whether you prefer a quicker transition between keystrokes and a slightly lighter feel with the Cabbage Tofu, or a smoother feel and a higher-pitched clack sound with the Ink Box Pink.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

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Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more