KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches - the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Jammy, both of which are linear switches. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. Typists can expect a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with characteristics like being clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Jammy switch boasts glittery nylon housings that offer a softer typing experience with a satisfying feel. While the Jammy switch's sound profile characteristics are not specified, its medium weight adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Jammy, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The choice between these two materials can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
On the other hand, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Jammy have nylon bottom housings, which share similar characteristics in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, which absorb more sound. This similarity in material for the bottom housing may lead to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing of a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, with both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the overall typing experience may be more similar between the two. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing on mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch differ slightly in weight. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making it more favorable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams, whereas the Jammy needs 63 grams, making the Jammy slightly heavier for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a medium level of force, but the Cabbage Tofu leans towards the lighter side while the Jammy leans towards the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing force.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. As such, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jammy. A difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can be noticeable to some users, especially those who are sensitive to the tactile feedback of their switches. The Cabbage Tofu's 4 mm travel distance may provide a slightly more pronounced keypress feel compared to the Jammy's 3.7 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with some users preferring the shorter travel distance of the Jammy for quicker response times, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu for a more deliberate keypress.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched noise profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds that can be described as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cabbage Tofu is reputed for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy tactile feedback. Typists experience a smooth and buttery sensation when typing on these switches, with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness due to the longer springs. In contrast, information on the typing feel of the HMX Jammy switch is not available, making it challenging to draw a comparison based on this attribute.
Overall, while the Cabbage Tofu linear switch excels in both sound and feel aspects with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile combined with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, specific information on the HMX Jammy switch is lacking. It is possible that both switches may offer similar results in sound and feel qualities, but without concrete details on the Jammy switch, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison. As an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider not only the specifications of the switches themselves but also how they interact with other components of the keyboard setup to determine the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a swift rebound and a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with a creamy, polished, or silky feel, the Jammy switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer.