KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Red, two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, leading to a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu can be described as reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is best known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These linear switches provide a satisfyingly smooth feel and emit a crispy and clacky sound profile. Typing on the Ink Reds is effortless and enjoyable. Categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, they offer a different tactile experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Ink Red have distinct differences and similarities. Starting with the top housing, the Cabbage Tofu uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both materials result in a clear and resonant sound, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate offers a more vivid and vibrant aesthetic due to its transparency.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Red employs Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, with the nylon providing a deeper tone and the INK blend offering a distinct clackiness.

When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the nylon in the Cabbage Tofu and the INK blend in the Ink Red will directly affect the sensation when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific materials used in the top and bottom housings may differ, both the Cabbage Tofu and Ink Red aim to provide a satisfying and unique sound profile through the combination of their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we find both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches have the same force requirement of 45 grams, ensuring a consistent triggering of keystrokes. This means that users can expect similar responsiveness and quick execution of commands with both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a variation between the two switches. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Ink Red's bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier. This means that the Cabbage Tofu switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions and lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch caters towards those who desire a more substantial typing experience, offering a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a medium-lighter option and the Ink Red providing a medium option.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience. In terms of their travel distance, the two switches are equal and provide similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This gives a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, reminiscent of the collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile with a slight chirp. The Ink Reds offer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and have a crispy and clacky sound. While both switches have their unique sound qualities, the Ink Red may be more appealing to those who prefer a neutral sound, while the Cabbage Tofu provides a more distinct and high-pitched sound.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience. The KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. The creamy and polished characteristics indicate a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. Additionally, the silky feel enhances the overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The snappy characteristic suggests that the Cabbage Tofu switch is highly responsive, making the typing experience feel more alive.

Similarly, the Gateron Ink Red switch is also described as silky and polished, offering a refined and smooth typing experience. The mild characteristic of the Ink Red switch indicates a more gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. The Ink Reds provide smooth key travel with reduced friction, contributing to an overall comfortable typing feel.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Ink Red switches have different sound profiles, with the Cabbage Tofu providing a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Ink Red offers a neutral sound with a slight chirp. Both switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience, with the Cabbage Tofu being creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, and the Ink Red being silky, mild, and polished. Depending on personal preference, typists can select the switch that suits their desired sound and feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with their smoothness and responsiveness.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the ideal choice for you. The lengthened 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu resembles the crisp and bright sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a lighter typing style, the Gateron Ink Red is the perfect option. The Ink Reds are satisfyingly smooth to type on and produce a crispy and clacky sound profile. Both switches offer a silky typing experience, but the Cabbage Tofu is also described as creamy and snappy, while the Ink Red is described as mild and polished. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferred bottom out force and desired sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more