KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT cabbage tofu linear switch to the Durock koala tactile switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The cabbage tofu stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its extended 22mm spring which allows for a swift rebound after actuation. This results in a quick transition between keystrokes and a sound profile resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Durock koala offers a middle ground for those who enjoy a pronounced bump during keystrokes but not overly so, with a stepped tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback. While the cabbage tofu is categorized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, snappy, the koala is described as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, stiff. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different individuals depending on their typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches will produce a similar sound profile when typing.
However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing material means that both switches will have a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Koala, their shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a similar crisp and resonant sound profile that is characteristic of switches using this material.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ in weight. 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 comparison, the Koala has an actuation force of Unknown grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy switch. The Cabbage Tofu will feel lighter to type on compared to the Koala, which offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some preferring a lighter typing experience for extended use and others opting for a heavier feel for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to the sensation of pressing down on a key, both switches would provide a similar experience due to their identical travel distances. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and actuation from both switches. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Koala, you can be confident that the travel distance will be the same for either option.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which creates a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound can be described as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various purposes. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky tactile feedback. The switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with refined finishes and reduced friction that result in a sleek and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet noticeable. The switch offers a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and post-travel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. Overall, both switches deliver unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences and styles.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that can greatly influence the typing experience. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with creamy and silky tactile feedback, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with polished, accented, stepped, and stiff tactile sensations. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance typing efficiency and comfort, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation, then the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch may suit your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that provides a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, then the Koala might be the more suitable option for you. Expect a low-pitched or neutral sound profile along with a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing feel with the Koala switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely based on what sounds and feels best for you.
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