KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Macchiato offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Cabbage Tofu, celebrated for its unique tactility and responsiveness, is equipped with a 22mm spring that ensures a quick rebound after each keystroke, making it ideal for typists seeking speed and efficiency. Its sound profile mimics the delightful clacking of Mahjong tiles, which adds a playful auditory dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato by YG Studio prioritizes a silky smooth typing experience, appealing to users who value a bright auditory feedback without the distraction of excess noise. Choosing between these two switches boils down to your typing style and sound preferences—whether you prioritize a snappy response or a mellow, smooth interaction. 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

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Macchiato switches demonstrate a notable contrast in their top housing materials, introducing distinct auditory characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes the top housing a central element in defining the brightness and clarity of the sound when keys are released. On the other hand, the Macchiato features a nylon top housing, resulting in a softer, deeper sound profile that is more subdued and rounded. The use of nylon in the top housing emphasizes a warmer, less piercing sound that caters to those who may prefer a more muted auditory experience when typing.

In contrast, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Macchiato employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similar auditory outcomes in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a fuller and rounder bottom-out feel when the keys are pressed. Since both switches share this material for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent depth and richness in the sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. Regardless of the differences present in their top housings, the common use of nylon in the bottom will ensure that the experience of bottoming out remains comparable, creating a harmonious blend of properties during use.

Overall, the combination of distinct materials in the top housings and a shared material in the bottoms allows the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Macchiato to showcase their unique strengths. While the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes clarity and brightness with its polycarbonate top housing, the Macchiato's nylon top provides warmth and fullness. However, both switches' shared nylon bottom housing contributes a consistent quality to the overall typing experience, particularly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. By contrasting the qualities introduced by each material, users can appreciate the nuanced differences and similarities that shape their keyboard experience with either switch.

Weight

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch exhibit noteworthy differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter choice overall. This difference in weight can significantly affect typing experience; while the Macchiato's lower force may allow for longer sessions with less fatigue, the Cabbage Tofu's slightly heavier push could provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer switch. Ultimately, while both switches offer a smooth linear experience, the Macchiato caters well to users seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Cabbage Tofu appeals to those liking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect a similar tactile feel when pressing down on the keys. Since the travel distance is the same, both switches will deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of the amount of movement required to register a keypress. This similarity ensures that transitioning between the two switches will feel seamless for users accustomed to one or the other.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch exhibits a unique auditory profile characterized by clacky and high-pitched tones. Users will notice a bright, percussive sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding with one another, creating a distinct auditory experience that stands out in its crispness. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato's sound profile remains unspecified, but it is known for a bright sound, suggesting it may also lean towards a lively auditory experience. However, since no detailed sound descriptors for the Macchiato are provided, typing experiences in terms of clackiness might vary based on the individual keyboard setup and components used alongside the switches.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy, polished, and silky experience. This is achieved through a combination of materials and possibly factory lubrication, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing sensation where fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. Additionally, the Tofu switch's snappy characteristics, influenced by a longer spring, enhance responsiveness, making each keystroke feel alive and impactful. The feel of the HMX Macchiato, however, is not described in detail, which could leave a gap for users seeking specific tactile feedback characteristics that are achieved by the Tofu switches.

Considering both switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu shines with its well-defined sound and tactile feedback qualities, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience with crisp acoustics. While the HMX Macchiato is designed for a smooth typing experience, the lack of detailed descriptors in sound and feel invites further exploration. Ultimately, if you desire similar results to what you might find with the Cabbage Tofu, the HMX Macchiato could potentially deliver, albeit with a unique flavor that remains to be fully defined.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch should reflect your priorities in typing experience and sound preference. If you value a more tactile and responsive feel, especially if you have a penchant for faster typing, the Cabbage Tofu would be ideal for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams combined with its unique sound profile—offering a clacky, high-pitched tone—can enhance your overall typing speed and enjoyment, particularly if you appreciate the playful auditory feedback reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silky typing experience that is light on finger fatigue, the HMX Macchiato is your go-to option. With an even lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, it caters to users who are looking for a softer touch while typing, giving you a muted yet pleasing sound profile. In essence, choose the Cabbage Tofu for a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, while the Macchiato is perfect if you're after effortless gliding and a subtle soundscape for a serene typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more