KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Mars offer distinctly different experiences, even though both are linear switches designed for smooth keystrokes. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its superior tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that contributes to a swift rebound after actuation. This design not only enhances typing speed but also creates a unique sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches incorporate an innovative design that combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, though specific characteristics of its sound profile remain less defined. For users who value responsiveness and an enjoyable tactile experience, the Cabbage Tofu may be the preferred choice. In contrast, the Gateron Mars might attract those looking for a unique stem and housing combination that promises durability and a smooth experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Mars switches, it's evident that they possess distinct sound profiles attributed to their respective compositions. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the rigidity of the material. This stiff nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, which is particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects produced. In contrast, the Gateron Mars is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic choice that yields a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder output, showcasing a distinctly different auditory experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Mars incorporate nylon, bringing them closer together in terms of sound profile. The Tofu's nylon bottom housing contributes to its rich, deep sound, consistent with the qualities expected from materials known for their sound-absorbing capabilities. On the other hand, the Mars employs a POM bottom housing, recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted spectrum. This difference in bottom housing materials means that while both switches benefit from nylon in the lower section, the Mars may present a more muted typing experience than the Cabbage Tofu due to the characteristics of POM.
In summary, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Mars utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—the use of nylon in both switches’ bottom housings provides a grounding similarity. The varied interactions between these materials yield distinct yet complimentary sound profiles. When pressed, users will experience the dynamic qualities tailored by each bottom housing material, with the polycarbonate top enhancing brightness in the Cabbage Tofu while the Mars maintains a rounded, deeper sound. Therefore, the interplay of these materials ultimately leads to contrasting auditory experiences, despite the foundational similarities offered by nylon in both designs.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a similar typing feel in terms of triggering keystrokes. This consistency means that users can expect the same level of effort when pressing the keys to activate them. However, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, giving it a definitive resistance when reaching the bottom of the keypress, which some may find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving it uncertain how much resistance it offers when fully depressed. Therefore, while both switches allow for a light actuation experience, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, making it potentially preferable for those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback. The Gateron Mars, with its unknown bottom out force, could appeal to users seeking a potentially lighter touch, but without clear specifications, making for a less straightforward comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Cabbage Tofu features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Mars, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, is designed for quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming or tasks where speed is essential. For those who prioritize a balance between response time and tactile feedback, the longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu may be the ideal choice, while gamers or users seeking faster actuation might opt for the Gateron Mars.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switch offers a distinctly clacky and high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and snappy noise reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This characteristic creates an engaging auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, specific details about the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch are not provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can vary greatly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used, meaning both switches may still lead to a satisfying auditory experience on the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is exceptionally known for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. These features contribute to a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing typists to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. The swift rebound from its longer 22mm spring enhances the responsiveness, giving it an energetic feel. Conversely, the description of the Mars switch lacks insight into its tactile sensations or how it performs during each keystroke. Hence, while the Cabbage Tofu presents a richly detailed tactile experience, the Mars switch’s feel remains ambiguous.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch stands out with its engaging sound profile and smooth, responsive feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a premium typing experience. While the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks available information regarding sound and feel, it still could potentially provide a complementary experience depending on its unique design and materials. If looking for similar results, focusing on overall typing feel and sound through careful choice of keycaps and keyboard builds can help bridge the gap between these two switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that boasts a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, offers tactile feedback reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, and features a responsive feel thanks to its extended spring, then the Cabbage Tofu is likely the better option for you. It’s particularly ideal if you enjoy a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience coupled with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. However, if you're drawn to the innovative design of the Gateron Mars, with its unique POK stem and housing materials combining Nylon and POM, and you can find its tactile characteristics appealing, then it may be worth considering. Although the specific bottom out force and sound profile are not detailed, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes quality build while taking into account the Gateron brand reputation for smoothness, the Mars might be an interesting option. Ultimately, weigh these factors against your individual typing needs to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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