KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience based on your preferences and needs. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that delivers a swift rebound after actuation. This characteristic allows typists to experience quick transitions between keystrokes, while the switch’s distinctive sound profile evokes the pleasing clack of Mahjong tiles colliding, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is known for its clean and low sound, which can provide a more muted typing experience free of the high-pitched noise associated with traditional switches. This switch is particularly appealing for users of Wooting keyboards, capitalizing on the unique magnetic actuation that offers durability and precision. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Cabbage Tofu is ideal for those who crave a tactile and engaging experience, whereas the Lavender HE focuses on a quieter, more refined touch. 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

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Neo Lavender HE, a key distinction lies in the top housing materials used in each switch. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucency also makes it particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for effective light diffusion. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted audio experience. This essential difference in top housing materials means that users will encounter varying auditory sensations—crisp highs with the Cabbage Tofu and warm lows with the Lavender HE.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, showcasing a shared characteristic that deepens the sound profile across the board. In this aspect, both switches will provide a fuller and more resonant bottom-out sound, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This means that while the top housing may differ in its contribution to sound quality, the bottom housing ensures a consistent deeper experience in auditory feedback. With both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, users can anticipate a certain degree of uniformity when it comes to the sound produced during key presses, regardless of the top housing's impact.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the unique top and bottom housings in both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Neo Lavender HE contribute to distinctive yet complementary sound profiles. Users can expect a clearer and more resonant auditory experience from the Cabbage Tofu thanks to its polycarbonate top, whereas the Neo Lavender HE will offer a warmer and more muted sound due to its nylon top. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches helps create a common ground in the auditory experience, allowing users who favor a specific sound signature to appreciate the nuances in each switch’s design. This illustrates how housing materials can work in concert to yield varied, yet cohesive, results in keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Lavender HE features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lavender HE switch has both a lighter overall feel and requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a quicker and less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of use. Conversely, the Cabbage Tofu, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel and greater feedback from their keys. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Cabbage Tofu is heavier than the Lavender HE, offering a balance of tactile feedback for users who appreciate a bit more resistance when typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Cabbage Tofu offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE's 3.8 mm travel distance caters more to those who seek quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who value speed. While both switches can deliver respectable performance, those who favor a greater depth in their keypresses will likely lean towards the KTT Cabbage Tofu, whereas the Neo Lavender HE will appeal more to those looking for a brisker, more responsive action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities. This sound signature is akin to the sharp and percussive noise of Mahjong tiles colliding, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more expressive typing sound. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch boasts a clean and low sound profile, making it a more subdued choice that caters to those who prefer minimal auditory distraction while they type. While both switches present unique sound experiences, the Cabbage Tofu offers a more dynamic range compared to the understated and smooth acoustics of the Lavender HE.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches are celebrated for their creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. This combination results in a typing experience that is not only smooth and gliding but also highly responsive. The fact that they employ a longer 22mm spring contributes to their quick rebound after actuation, enhancing typability. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switches is less well-documented, which makes it difficult to provide a comparison. However, if you favor a refined typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu certainly excels with its engaging tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out primarily for its lively sound and exceptional tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an expressive typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, while having an appealing low sound profile, lacks sufficient information regarding its tactile feel to draw a clear comparison. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference for sound and feel. If sound dynamics and a responsive typing feel are important to you, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is likely your best bet, while the Lavender HE offers a subtler alternative.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Neo Lavender HE switches ultimately depends on your typing style and sound preference. If you appreciate a tactile and responsive feel with a distinctive sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, combined with a creamy and polished typing experience, means you will enjoy a smooth, snappy response with each keystroke, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This makes the Cabbage Tofu particularly appealing for typists who value a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and cleaner sound, the Neo Lavender HE is worth considering. With a 50-gram actuation force and a more subdued auditory profile, this hall effect switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter workspace without sacrificing sensitivity. Furthermore, the Lavender HE's compatibility with Wooting keyboards emphasizes its versatility for specific typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience and snappy responsiveness or a sleeker, quieter, and lighter typing action.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more