KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Light Tactile. While both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the quick rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a sense of clackiness, creaminess, and high-pitched resonance. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentler tactility, providing a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches evokes an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Light Tactile switch offers a more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with these specific sound characteristics and an attractive lighting display, both options will provide similar results.

Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, while the Light Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a duller and rounder sound. This indicates that both the Cabbage Tofu and the Light Tactile will share these sound qualities in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.

While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when you release a key. Since both switches incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, the effect on the sound upon key release will be similar. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound profile, resulting in a more satisfying auditory experience.

In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Light Tactile differ in their bottom housing material, but share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches will provide a clear and resonant sound profile due to the stiff polycarbonate top housing. However, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound, while the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing will create a slightly rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound characteristics and the intended use of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 52 grams. This means that it requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke on the Cabbage Tofu switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force while the Light Tactile requires 67 grams. This indicates that the bottoming out sensation on the Light Tactile switch would be heavier and more pronounced compared to the Cabbage Tofu.

Considering weight in terms of typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter feel which may be preferred by those who want to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. It is suitable for work environments or long gaming sessions where comfort and endurance are essential. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force may appeal to individuals who prefer a more tactile and satisfying keystroke.

While the two switches differ in their actuation force and bottom out force, they ultimately offer distinct typing experiences. If someone desires a lighter touch and a relatively medium-light typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice. In contrast, those seeking a slightly heavier and more medium-heavy feel for their typing would find the Light Tactile switch more to their liking.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch, the Cabbage Tofu switch can be described as clacky and high-pitched. The sound produced by the Cabbage Tofu switch is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, not too sharp or too bassy. It is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. It is smooth, buttery, and feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. This smoothness can be achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users, without any pronounced characteristics. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Light Tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. It is important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing between these switches, as they offer distinct characteristics. However, if you prefer a sharper sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Cabbage Tofu switch might be the better choice for you. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a gentler tactile feedback, the Light Tactile switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great choice. It offers a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for faster transitions between keystrokes. Its sound profile is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a wonderful option. It offers an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Its sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various usage scenarios.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. It offers smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction, thanks to lubrication applied during manufacturing. The Light Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value improved tactility, quick transitions between keystrokes, clacky and high-pitched sound, and a creamy, polished, and silky feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a gentle tactility, angelic sound, and a mild and polished feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred typing experience when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more