KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct yet intriguing features. The Cabbage Tofu switch, well-known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, delivers a swift rebound after actuation, facilitating a seamless transition between keystrokes with its lengthened 22mm spring. As typists indulge in its performance, they can experience a sound profile reminiscent of the captivating collision of Mahjong tiles – clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, we have the Meteor Orange switches, praised for their exquisitely gentle nature. These switches offer a soft and seductive tactility that is difficult to resist, accompanied by a neutral sound profile that adds a subtle elegance to your typing experience. Classified as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Meteor Orange switches provide a touch of sophistication to any keyboard. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ significantly. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials contribute to the overall sound, the polycarbonate of the Cabbage Tofu provides a brighter and more resonant tone compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Meteor Orange feature a nylon bottom housing. This material is also known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. The softness of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, adding to the overall sound experience. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a similar deep and full sound due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

However, when it comes to the sound upon key release, the differences between the housing materials become apparent. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when keys are released. The stiffness of the polycarbonate will create a sharper and more resonant sound as the key is lifted. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing will produce a softer and less pronounced sound upon key release. The sound will be duller and rounder, reflecting the nature of nylon as a softer plastic. Therefore, while both switches will generate a sound when keys are released, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing will result in a crisper and more distinct sound compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the Meteor Orange is not provided. However, both switches can be considered medium-light in terms of actuation force.

On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Meteor Orange requires slightly more force to fully press a key compared to the Cabbage Tofu.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. In this case, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Meteor Orange provide a lighter typing experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, heavier switches are favored.

Overall, the actuation forces of the Cabbage Tofu and Meteor Orange are similar, resulting in a comparable keystroke triggering experience. The main difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Meteor Orange requiring slightly more force. So, depending on individual preferences, one may opt for the lighter Cabbage Tofu or the slightly heavier Meteor Orange for their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, one would feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and key responsiveness from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that has a crisp and bright quality to it. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more percussive sound while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound it produces is moderate and suitable for most purposes. It doesn't lean towards being too rich or bassy, making it a safe choice for both beginners and advanced typists. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is described as thocky, which means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, similar to a soft knock or thud.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch has a smooth and buttery feel when pressed, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch's lubrication and longer or dual-staged springs contribute to its creamy and snappy characteristics, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more alive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch has a mild and polished feel. This means that the typing experience is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and approachable typing experience.

Based on the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished feel. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for a similar result in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a polished typing experience due to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom-out force, the KTT Cabbage Tofu would be an excellent choice. It offers improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will notice a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is clacky and high-pitched, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, making it feel smooth and refined.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a similar medium-light bottom-out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange would be a fantastic option. These switches are exquisitely gentle, offering a soft and seductive tactility. The sound profile of the Meteor Orange is neutral and thocky, producing a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch depends on your preferences. If you prefer linear switches with improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, go for the Cabbage Tofu. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile switches with a soft and seductive tactility, along with a neutral and thocky sound profile, opt for the Meteor Orange.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more