KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. PH Studio Jacaranda

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the PH Studio Jacaranda are both linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs, yet they share some common attributes that make them desirable. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, featuring a longer 22mm spring that allows for a quick rebound after actuation, resulting in satisfying transitions between keystrokes. Its sound profile—characterized as clacky, creamy, and silky—can evoke the nostalgic resonance of Mahjong tiles colliding, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. Conversely, the Jacaranda, also using a 22mm spring, is known for its gentler bottom-out weight of 43.5g, making it uniquely comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Its crisp and clacky sound ensures that users receive audible confirmation with every keystroke, while the switch's bounce adds an exciting tactile dimension to each press. While both switches offer distinct benefits, one prioritizes speed and responsiveness, while the other emphasizes comfort and auditory pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and PH Studio Jacaranda share a significant commonality in their housing materials, specifically in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for an aesthetically pleasing diffusion of light. Both the Cabbage Tofu and Jacaranda benefit from these properties, leading to relatively similar auditory results, particularly in terms of sound clarity when a key is released.

However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge with the use of nylon in both the Cabbage Tofu and the Jacaranda. Nylon, a classic material for switch housings, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This means that while both switches have a high, crisp release sound due to their polycarbonate top, they offer a rounder and fuller bottom-out sound as a result of their nylon bottom housings. This combination of materials from both switches creates a nuanced auditory experience, where the top housing enhances clarity and the bottom housing contributes depth.

In practical terms, users of either the KTT Cabbage Tofu or the PH Studio Jacaranda can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile due to the matching top housing material. The polycarbonate top allows for a consistent high-pitched clarity across both switches. However, the different tonal qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing may not make them completely interchangeable. While both will deliver a balanced sound experience during typing, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and PH Studio Jacaranda will provide unique auditory sensations upon key release and bottoming out, which will appeal to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both models creates a dynamic sound signature that is rich in texture.

Weight

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of push feel. In contrast, the Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer keystroke experience. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Jacaranda requires less effort to trigger a keystroke, appealing to those who type for extended periods or play games where quick reactions are essential. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu may provide a more substantial feel, which could be favored by users seeking a firmer tactile experience. Overall, while both switches have their merits, the Jacaranda is notably lighter, which can lead to a more comfortable typing experience over long sessions, whereas the Cabbage Tofu offers a bit more resistance that some users may find satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is apparent that they differ in their design characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a fuller, deeper feel when pressing the key. In contrast, the Jacaranda features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times for a more immediate typing experience. While the shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda may feel more responsive for some, others might find it too abrupt. Those who enjoy a cushioned depth in their keystrokes would likely favor the longer 4 mm travel of the Cabbage Tofu. In summary, if a user prefers a more traditional feel with a bit of depth, they should opt for the Cabbage Tofu, while gamers or those seeking a snappier experience might prefer the Jacaranda's shorter travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches exhibit a clacky signature, producing a sharp and snappy auditory response with every keystroke. The Cabbage Tofu's sound profile brings forth a brightness reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a crisp and percussive experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's sound is described as not only clacky but also resonant, contributing to a clean and immersive auditory experience that enhances the typing environment. While both switches lean towards a higher-pitched sound profile, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence the overall sound, but expect a generally lively and pronounced auditory feedback from either switch.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy and silky typing experience, making it a joy to glide over the keys. The combination of lubricant and materials used in its construction results in minimal resistance, ensuring a buttery sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, the snappy response from the longer 22mm spring makes keystrokes feel alive and reactive. Comparatively, the Jacaranda also provides a silky typing sensation, emphasizing smoothness while minimizing resistance. It is equally easy on the fingers, thanks to its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, promoting fatigue-free typing. Both switches share elements of smoothness and responsiveness, making them appealing choices for typists.

In summary, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches share remarkable similarities in their clacky sound profiles and smooth typing experiences. While the Cabbage Tofu excels in its creamy feel and pronounced snappiness, the Jacaranda brings its own unique bounce and gentle touch. Ultimately, either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, so personal preference in sound and feel will likely guide your choice. Whether you lean towards the nimble convergence of the Cabbage Tofu or the buoyant elegance of the Jacaranda, you can expect a fulfilling experience with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a tactile, snappy typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu is the ideal option for you. Its responsive rebound action and creamy, silky feel complement both fast-paced gaming and efficient typing tasks, making it suitable for users who appreciate a tactile response and enjoy the auditory charm reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Jacaranda switch could be your best bet. The Jacaranda's crisp, resonant feedback and bouncy sensation make it perfect for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Its silky smoothness enhances the typing experience, catering particularly to those who prioritize comfort and a clean auditory experience. Therefore, your ultimate choice will depend on whether you value tactility and responsiveness or prefer an effortless, lighter touch that promotes fatigue-free usage while maintaining engaging auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn more