KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Mallo are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after actuation. Typists will appreciate the quick transition between keystrokes and the clacky, creamy sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Mallo, a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactility that provides subtle feedback without being overpowering. Its medium-light typing feel strikes a balanced chord for typists, and the neutral sound signature ensures versatility in various typing environments. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper beyond these generalities will help you decide on the best switch for your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Mallo lies in their bottom housings. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mallo also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound qualities. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out and keypresses.
Where the two switches differ slightly is in their top housings. Both the Cabbage Tofu and the Mallo use a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. Therefore, despite the difference in bottom housings, the top housings of the Cabbage Tofu and Mallo will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Overall, the housing materials used in the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Mallo contribute to the switches' unique sound profiles. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the nylon bottom housings provide a slightly different sound experience. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience between the two switches will be quite similar due to the combination of materials used in their housings.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force that is relatively similar, with the Cabbage Tofu requiring 53 grams and the Mallo needing 55 grams. The Cabbage Tofu provides a medium-light typing experience overall, while the Mallo also falls into the medium-light category despite its unknown actuation force. The decision between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a slightly lighter feel for longer typing sessions and the Mallo providing a slightly more substantial push for those seeking a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far you need to press the key before it registers. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Mallo, you can expect a consistent travel distance that allows for smooth and comfortable typing. The similarities in travel distance between these two switches make them a great choice for users who prefer a consistent key feel across different switches.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is characterized as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sharp and snappy sound creates a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile. This means that while it's not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature that is suitable for various typing environments. The Mallo's sound is gentle and just noticeable enough to provide feedback without being overpowering, striking a balanced chord for typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a more intense and vibrant auditory experience, while the Mallo provides a more versatile and understated sound profile suitable for different settings.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with minimal friction. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu is described as snappy, thanks to its super responsive nature that makes the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is characterized by its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle feel. The Mallo switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a slight two-stage tactile feedback that adds a subtle complexity to each keystroke. Ultimately, the feel of the switches will appeal to different preferences, with the Cabbage Tofu providing a luxurious and responsive typing experience, while the Mallo offers a light and comfortable feel suitable for extended use.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience that is super responsive. In contrast, the Mallo switch delivers a neutral and subdued sound profile with a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing feel that is comfortable for extended use. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cabbage Tofu appealing to those who seek a vibrant and luxurious typing experience, while the Mallo suits users looking for a versatile and understated typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a swift rebound after actuation, accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility with a neutral and subdued sound signature, along with a feathery or mild typing feel, then the Mallo switch would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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