KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TKC Kiwi. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is best known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With its lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. This switch emits a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a range of sensations such as being clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, enhances the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This switch provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in the typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TKC Kiwi differ significantly. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE housings offers resonant clacks, adding a unique auditory experience to the typing process. While both materials enhance the sound quality, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing focuses more on clarity, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing prioritizes brightness and resonant clacks.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Kiwi introduces a UHWMPE bottom housing, mirroring its top housing material. This newer material also contributes to a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. While both switches offer sound enhancement through their respective bottom housings, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing emphasizes deep and full sounds, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing maintains the switch's overall bright sound experience.

In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings have distinct roles that impact different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and overall feel. Therefore, the choice of bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or UHWMPE, significantly impacts the tactile feedback and sound when typing. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu and the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi contribute to the distinct sound profiles experienced when letting go of a key. Although the housing materials differ between these switches, their overall impact on sound and feel makes for a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.

For those who prefer a lighter feel to their typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and easier keystroke triggering. This lightness can be beneficial for individuals who spend long periods of time typing, such as in a work setting or during extended gaming sessions.

On the contrary, for those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the TKC Kiwi would be the recommended option. With its higher bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a stronger push feel when pressing the keys all the way down. This added resistance can enhance the tactile feedback and create a more satisfying typing sensation for those who prefer a heavier switch.

Overall, while the Cabbage Tofu leans towards a lighter feel and the Kiwi leans towards a heavier feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when making a decision. The actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience, and selecting the appropriate switch can greatly enhance comfort and productivity.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will travel 4mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and feedback when using either of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. The sound produced by these switches is crisp, bright, and percussive, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. It produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which provides a satisfyingly snappy and immersive typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and brighter sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be more suitable. However, if you prefer a deeper and mellower sound, the Kiwi switch would be a better choice. It's worth noting that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switches have a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, with each keystroke feeling silky and smooth. The snappy response of the Cabbage Tofu switch, attributed to its lengthened 22mm spring, adds to the overall liveliness of the typing experience.

The TKC Kiwi switch, on the other hand, provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing feel. These tactile switches have a two-stage bump, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactility is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle, striking a balance between a medium-strong bump. The polished finish of the switch contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch and TKC Kiwi switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound and a stepped, accented, and polished typing feel. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper, brighter sound and a creamy, snappy feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper, mellower sound and a stepped, accented feel, the Kiwi switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, and it's always recommended to try out switches before making a final decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a smoother, more responsive typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to their lengthened 22mm spring. You will notice a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can provide a crisp and percussive typing experience. Moreover, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be an excellent option. These switches enhance your typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a sleek and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Furthermore, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience with smooth and buttery key travel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches offer a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a unique medium tactile experience. Overall, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch ultimately depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more