KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro are two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cabbage Tofu excels in providing a smooth and swift typing experience with its linear switch design, featuring a longer 22mm spring for improved tactility and responsiveness. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump and higher-pitched sound profile for a delightful typing experience. While the Cabbage Tofu is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'bouncy', 'accented', and 'polished'. If you prefer a quicker and smoother typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the perfect switch for your keyboard. To make the best decision for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper into the details of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing, especially when using RGB lighting. However, despite both keyboards having polycarbonate top housings, their nylon bottom housings differ. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the difference in bottom housing material between the Cabbage Tofu and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will affect the typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with nylon being softer and absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key, as it is known for its sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both keyboards have a similar overall impact on sound due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
While the Cabbage Tofu and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro have differences in their bottom housing materials, they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This makes them both suitable choices for users who prioritize a defined sound when typing. The choice between the two keyboards may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the specific sound profile desired, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a duller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch are quite similar, with both having an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Cabbage Tofu switch a bit lighter overall compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better option. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the way to go. Both switches offer similar actuation forces, so users can expect similar results in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cabbage Tofu being on the longer side and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Cabbage Tofu switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling the collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch's sound profile is not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by various factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cabbage Tofu is lauded for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These features contribute to a smooth and responsive typing experience, allowing keystrokes to effortlessly flow. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and potentially polished typing sensation. This highlights a harmonious balance between tactility and responsiveness, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch is characterized by its clacky sound and creamy, polished feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and an accented, bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Remember that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the most suitable switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a quick rebound between keystrokes and a clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the Cabbage Tofu may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump that is not too overwhelming, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be a better fit. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preference for feel and sound while typing. Be sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one enhances your typing experience the most.
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