KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Jelly each offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a longer 22mm spring that delivers swift rebounds after actuation. This design enhances typing speed and efficiency, complemented by a distinctive sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, characterized as clacky, creamy, and snappy. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly presents a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that many users find pleasing, paired with a super smooth feel owing to its excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of 42g. While the Cabbage Tofu caters to those who enjoy a more lively and tactile experience, the Jelly appeals to individuals seeking smoothness and a deeper auditory feedback. 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

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Jelly switches, the most striking difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enables it to resonate more effectively, resulting in a clear auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs a nylon top housing that leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller, rounder auditory signature. The choice of material for the top housing essentially dictates the tonal characteristics that users will experience when releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering brightness compared to nylon’s more subdued richness.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon, which is a classic material in the switch industry. This shared choice results in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out experience in both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, creating a warm and rounded feel when the switch is fully depressed. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in sound profile—setting a contrasting tonal experience when keys are released—the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches evoke similar auditory sensations during key presses.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials means that while the Cabbage Tofu and HMX Jelly switches present distinct auditory profiles due to their differing top housings, they harmonize in their bottom-out experiences. This is especially true for users who might be looking for a switch that balances tonal clarity and warmth across the entire keystroke action. Consequently, those familiar with either switch can expect a fulfilling typing experience where the nuanced differences in sound are highlighted by the polycarbonate top housing of the Tofu, while the deep resonance of nylon in both switches creates a satisfying keystroke feel as they bottom out. This blend of characteristics illustrates how material choice can profoundly affect the user experience, even when some components remain consistent.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cabbage Tofu requires an actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter actuation force can make the Jelly a better choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue. The difference in bottom out forces also indicates that users may find the Cabbage Tofu to have a more substantial feel when pressed to the limit, catering to those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter switch, while the Cabbage Tofu provides a heavier, more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Cabbage Tofu features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jelly has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress. In contrast, the HMX Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to users who favor quicker responses, a characteristic often sought by gamers aiming for faster actuation. While both switches are relatively close in distance, opting for the Jelly may result in a more responsive typing experience, whereas the Cabbage Tofu can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches produce a lively and high-pitched clack, akin to the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, making them bright and snappy with a crisp character. This sound can be quite engaging, offering auditory feedback that typists might find both pleasing and motivating. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switches are characterized by their low-pitched, deep thocky sound, which provides a richer and bassier auditory experience. This difference in sound profile means that while the Cabbage Tofu switches excite with their sharpness, the Jelly switches offer a more subdued and deeper resonance, catering to those who prefer a different acoustical quality in their typing experience.

When examining the feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches present a creamy and polished typing experience. Their buttery smoothness and refined finish allow for effortless keystrokes, enhancing the overall tactile satisfaction. Additionally, the snappy responsiveness due to the 22mm spring allows typists to enjoy a lively typing experience with quick rebound on actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switches, while super smooth due to excellent factory lube, lack a detailed explanation of their tactile characteristics in the provided information. However, their lightweight actuation force of 42g implies a less strenuous typing experience, which can be appealing for those who prefer less resistance.

Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Jelly switches provide distinctly different sound and feel profiles that can cater to a variety of typists' preferences. The Cabbage Tofu features a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience paired with a creamy and polished tactile sensation, while the Jelly excels in deep thocky sound and smoothness with a lightweight actuation force. Ultimately, which switch to choose hinges on personal preference—be it the engagement of a bright clack or the rich depth of a thock, each option offers its own unique typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with responsive and tactile feedback, the Cabbage Tofu is ideal for you. Its longer 22mm spring ensures quick rebounds after each keystroke, making it suitable for typists who appreciate a snappy feel and a clacky sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. This switch also delivers a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, adding a layer of enjoyment to your overall use. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter keypress with an even smoother action, the HMX Jelly switch might be the better option. With its light 48-gram bottom out force and deep, thocky sound profile, it excels in providing a quieter, yet satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic signature. The factory lube and lower actuation force make the Jelly a pleasure to type on, especially during extended sessions. Ultimately, consider the type of feel, sound, and feedback that resonates with you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more