KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, its sound profile closely resembles the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches excel in subtlety. They offer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and minimal audio feedback. With their textured feel and slightly deeper pitch, these switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's explore further to determine which switch is best suited for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles.
Starting with the top housing, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. While both materials contribute to typing sounds, polycarbonate is more resonant and translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as the housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a dulled and rounder sound profile. Consequently, pressing down on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound.
Despite their different housing materials, both switches offer similar qualities when it comes to the impact on sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, although the housing materials vary, users can expect comparable results in terms of the overall sound experience provided by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is noteworthy that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both switches, resulting in a similar responsiveness during typing or gaming. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the MX Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the medium-light category.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the KTT Cabbage Tofu appealing as its lower bottom out force allows for smoother typing and longer gaming sessions without excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Ultimately, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer similar actuation forces, ensuring a consistent and responsive typing experience. The decision between the two would mostly come down to personal preference regarding the desired bottom out force and overall typing experience. Whether one prefers a slightly lighter or heavier typing sensation, both switches cater to different preferences while maintaining a medium-light keypress experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sharp and snappy sound produced when the switch is pressed can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a more sharp and high-pitched sound, while the MX Brown switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a range of qualities. It can be described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. The creamy feel of the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a sensation of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The polished finish adds to the smoothness of key travel and reduces friction. The silky switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the snappy nature of the switch makes the typing experience feel more alive due to the use of longer or dual-staged springs. In comparison, the MX Brown switch is described as textured. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, offering a tactile feedback that some users may prefer, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Considering the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ in their sound and feel qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch is clacky, high-pitched, creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a unique typing experience with swift rebound and sharp sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a subtler experience with its bassy, low-pitched sound, and a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed. While the two switches offer different subjective qualities, if you are seeking a similar sound or feel, you can explore alternatives such as other high-pitched switches for sound or other textured switches for feel based on your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. The longer 22mm spring provides a quicker transition between keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, giving it a crisp and bright sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be an excellent option. These switches offer a subtle typing experience and have a bottom out force similar to the Cabbage Tofu switch. The MX Brown switch has a sound profile described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a slightly scratchy feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value improved tactility and responsiveness with a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a smooth and snappy typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subdued audio feedback and a textured feel, the MX Brown switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make the right decision for your needs.
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