KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Dareu Mahjong, both being linear switches. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring which provides a swift rebound after actuation. This results in a quicker transition between keystrokes and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu feature a unique green and white color scheme, adding a touch of style to your keyboard. They offer a lively, poppy sound signature and an effortless typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', while the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished'. These distinctions make each switch ideal for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, while the Dareu Mahjong opts for a POK top housing, which provides a smooth, clacky, and durable feel. Both materials offer unique advantages, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, while POK boasts exceptional strength and wear resistance.
On the other hand, when it comes to their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Cabbage Tofu and the Dareu Mahjong absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material may lead to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials vary between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Dareu Mahjong, they each offer distinct advantages in terms of sound profile, durability, and overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Cabbage Tofu's top housing provides a sharp and resonant sound, while the POK material in the Mahjong's top housing offers smoothness and durability. Meanwhile, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of initial keypress sensitivity. However, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Mahjong is unknown, making it difficult to determine the overall keypress experience in terms of resistance. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better option due to its slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a heavier push feel may lean towards the Mahjong if its bottom out force proves to be higher. Ultimately, the weight of the keys plays a significant role in user preference, with lighter switches being favored for extended typing sessions and heavier switches for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preferences for travel distance. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, while the Mahjong would be the way to go for those looking for a shorter travel distance.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, offering a crisp and sharp sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch has a more neutral sound profile, producing a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. Both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the Cabbage Tofu may be preferred by those who enjoy a more distinctive and energetic typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
Overall, while the sound and feel of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Dareu Mahjong linear switches may vary, both switches boast innovative features that enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and snappy feel or a neutral sound with a bouncy and polished feel, both switches offer quality performance that can elevate your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy, clacky sound profile with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with no specified bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy and mild typing feel, the Mahjong switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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