KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to find the perfect match for their typing style and preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro are two linear switches that stand out for their distinctive characteristics, each offering unique benefits. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that enables a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in quicker transitions between keystrokes. Users will appreciate its sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a clacky, snappy, and polished experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches boast a smooth and substantial feel, ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback that delivers a gratifying experience for both typists and gamers. The Matcha Green Pro is noted for its bouncy, resonant qualities that further enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two options depends on whether you prefer the Cabbage Tofu's swift responsiveness or the Matcha Green Pro's solid feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a consistent sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This similarity in materials contributes to an overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic experience when typing. Polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances these auditory properties, allowing for a more pronounced response to keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, making both switches visually appealing in illuminated setups. This shared use of polycarbonate not only delivers comparable sound qualities but also ensures that users who prioritize RGB aesthetics will appreciate the visual impact in both switch designs.
In contrast to the top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, introducing a different sonic quality to the typing experience. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. As a result, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer a deeper, fuller sound profile when pressed down, leading to a more muted, rounded auditory output during key presses. This shared characteristic results in a blending of the traits from the different materials, with the nylon bottom offering a contrast to the crispness of the polycarbonate top, and creating a well-balanced acoustic experience.
When considering the overall typing experience, the distinctions between the two switches largely hinge on their bottom and top housing materials working in tandem. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, contributing to their bright and sharp sound when releasing a key, their nylon bottoms introduce a warmer and more rounded sound when the key is depressed. This similarity and difference highlight how combining these materials results in a diverse yet harmonious auditory experience, allowing users to enjoy both the clarity of a polycarbonate top and the richness of a nylon bottom. Consequently, those who appreciate the sound profiles and aesthetics of either switch can expect a similarly gratifying experience, despite the nuances brought about by the different materials used in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The Cabbage Tofu features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming might prefer the Cabbage Tofu due to its lower force requirements, while those seeking a firmer and more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier V3 Matcha Green Pro. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter switch, and the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier one, making for contrasting tactile experiences based on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the longer option, featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. The Cabbage Tofu's longer travel distance is likely to provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress, while the shorter 3.8 mm distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be more advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a distinctly clacky auditory experience. The Cabbage Tofu is characterized by its high-pitched tones, resembling the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing sharp and snappy feedback with each keystroke. Similarly, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also delivers a clacky sound profile that is crisp and bright, but adds a resonant quality to the auditory experience that enhances immersion. Both switches produce a clean and precise sound, though the Matcha Green may bring slightly more depth with its resonant nature, depending on the overall keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience, making them enjoyable to type on for prolonged periods. The Cabbage Tofu excels with its snappy feedback, thanks to a longer spring, resulting in quick rebounds and a lively typing session. The V3 Matcha Green Pro shares this creamy and silky feel, also providing a bouncy characteristic that adds a spring-like responsiveness, making each keypress feel rewarding. Both switches are polished in design, which reduces friction and enhances smooth key travel, allowing typists to glide over the keys effortlessly.
In summary, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer clacky sounds and smooth feels, setting them apart primarily through the nuances of their auditory and tactile feedback. While the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes a snappy and responsive experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a bouncier feel, elevating the typing experience. Ultimately, you can expect satisfying performance from either switch, and your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sharp auditory feedback or a more pronounced rebounding feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch with a more responsive and snappy actuation, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it well-suited for typists who favor rapid keystrokes and enjoy a clacky sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. Moreover, if you enjoy a buttery, polished typing experience that feels lively yet smooth, the Cabbage Tofu offers a silky touch that can enhance your typing comfort. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel with a satisfying bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be better aligned with your preferences. Its combination of creamy and bouncy feedback, along with resonant clack sounds, makes it appealing for both gamers and typists who want clear tactile feedback. In sum, consider your typing style and desired sensory experience; whether you lean towards the swift responsiveness of the Cabbage Tofu or the robust satisfaction of the V3 Matcha Green Pro, either switch can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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