KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering switching to a mechanical keyboard, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches. The Cabbage Tofu is a linear switch known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for faster transitions between keystrokes. This switch offers a clacky, creamy sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are tactile and offer a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. These switches boast high-precision molds and enhanced softer backlight effects, providing reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. If you're looking for a switch with a swift rebound and clacky sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu may be for you. However, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with aesthetic appeal, the Gateron Jupiter Brown could be the better choice. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Jupiter Brown feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design. In terms of sound quality, both switches with polycarbonate top housings will provide a similar acoustic experience to users.
On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with other housing materials. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when the switches are pressed. This difference in material for the bottom housing may lead to a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Jupiter Brown may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch will influence the sound profile when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, users may find that the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound when typing on the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter in both aspects. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the pressure required to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Brown for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience with both switches. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance, striking a balance between short and long travel switches, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a swift rebound after actuation. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, providing a more gentle and refined typing experience with potential two-stage tactility. Both switches emphasize smooth key travel and reduced friction, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, while the sound characteristics of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches differ, both switches share similarities in terms of providing a polished and smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Cabbage Tofu or the unknown sound profile of the Jupiter Brown, both switches offer high-precision molds and enhanced tactile feedback to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a lighter bottom out force, swift rebound after actuation, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a classic keystroke feel with a single-stage spring, and a mild, polished feel, the Jupiter Brown might be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics and it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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