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KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Medium Tactile

An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Medium Tactile. These switches offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, enabling seamless transitions between keystrokes. Furthermore, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu resembles the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, showcases Durock's expertise in delivering an exceptional typing experience. Boasting a balanced and pronounced tactility, this switch offers a unique jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Durock Medium Tactile promises a tactile typing experience like no other. These general pointers merely scratch the surface, so let's dive deeper and explore each switch's intricacies to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

Yes

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

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Medium Tactile have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to add visual effects to their keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using either switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in their material choice. The Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes the same nylon material for its bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound. Both switches aim to provide a more satisfying typing experience through the use of nylon, but the specific design and construction may lead to slight variations in sound and feel.

It's worth noting that while the top and bottom housings play different roles in sound production, they both contribute to the overall quality of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding the materials used in each housing can help users determine the desired sound profile and tactile feedback they prefer. Whether someone chooses the KTT Cabbage Tofu or the Durock Medium Tactile, they can expect a well-rounded typing experience with distinct characteristics contributed by the different housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, notable differences arise. The Cabbage Tofu boasts a lighter actuation force, requiring a mere 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch remains unspecified. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu falls on the lighter side with 53 grams, while the Medium Tactile exerts a more substantial typing experience with 65 grams. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu is the preferable choice, allowing for extended typing sessions suitable for work or long gaming periods. Conversely, individuals desiring a more robust push feel may find satisfaction in the Medium Tactile switch's heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the same at 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent feel when pressed down on a key. The user can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in a consistent tactile experience.

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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.

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

The sound profile of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is not specifically described in terms of sound, so it is unknown how they sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also relies on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Based on the available information, the Cabbage Tofu switch will provide a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown but may differ depending on the setup.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish and lubrication applied at the factory contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the longer 22mm spring enhances responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive and snappy. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. They may offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, and they also feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Medium Tactile switch's sound profile remains unknown. For feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, whereas the Medium Tactile switch offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactility. It is important to note that both switches feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Selecting either switch will offer unique subjective qualities, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. Its lengthened spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, it offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy and silky typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch would be a suitable option. It features a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. While its sound profile is not explicitly described, it offers descriptors like accented and polished, indicating a tactile switch that is not overwhelming and offers smooth key travel. Its mild characteristics make it approachable to most users.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns with your typing style and preferences.

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