KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options—KTT Cabbage Tofu and Cherry MX Orange—offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, stands out with its extended 22mm spring, providing a quicker rebound after actuation and a tactile experience that typists describe as reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This switch is celebrated for its unique sound profile, often characterized as clacky, creamy, and snappy, appealing to those who appreciate audible feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, reissued from the original version, has been enhanced to meet modern demands while retaining the smooth linear feel that Cherry switches are known for. While MX Orange switches may not offer a distinctive sound profile, they deliver a dependable performance, making them an excellent choice for gamers and professionals alike who prioritize a consistent feel over auditory feedback. Both switches have unique attributes that can enhance your typing experience; 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
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Orange switches, a notable difference lies in the top housing material. The KTT Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced during keystrokes. Additionally, the polycarbonate’s translucency makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, ensuring a vibrant display through the switch's housing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing that is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinct difference between a rigid versus a softer material significantly affects the auditory experience when using these switches.
However, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the bottom housing's contributions to sound are squarely rooted in the characteristics of nylon. Known for its ability to absorb sound, nylon produces a duller and rounder auditory experience when keys are bottomed out. Offers a consistent response between the two switches, as both will exhibit a similar muffled sound when pressed down hard due to the shared nylon material at the bottom. This shared material for the bottom housing creates a consistency in feel when the key is pressed down, ensuring that both switches provide a more subdued response upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch leads to distinct yet complementary sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu’s polycarbonate top housing provides a lively and resonant experience when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller, rounder sound when the switch is actuated. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange's nylon top housing brings a softer, more muted sound in conjunction with the nylon bottom, harmonizing the auditory experience to create a different but equally enjoyable typing experience. Thus, the impact of the switch's sound varies greatly depending on the material of the top housing while achieving similar resonant qualities through their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we can see significant differences in their actuation forces. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option that may be preferred for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, allowing for less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the MX Orange remains unspecified, which leaves some uncertainty regarding the overall feel when pressing down fully. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu has a clear bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a definite feedback during keystrokes. Ultimately, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a heavier feel, appealing to users with different preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect a similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. The equivalent travel distances contribute to a comparable typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose between these options based on other preferences, such as actuation force or sound, without worrying about a difference in travel. Ultimately, both switches deliver the same performance 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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 produces a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback creates an engaging typing experience for individuals who prefer a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. The sound can be quite crisp and bright, appealing to those who enjoy the percussive elements of a keyboard. Conversely, the characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switch remain unspecified, which leaves an unknown element in terms of its sound profile. However, it’s worth noting that sound can vary widely depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users may still find satisfactory results with either switch arrangement.
When examining the feel of these switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy attributes. This combination results in a typing experience that is smooth and refined, offering a buttery sensation that minimizes friction during usage. Users appreciate the swift rebound and responsiveness provided by the lengthened spring, contributing to a sense of liveliness with each keystroke. In contrast, details about the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch have not been provided, which creates a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall user experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers notable sound and feel qualities that cater to users who lean towards a lively and responsive typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange switch presents a mystery regarding its sound and tactile characteristics. For those favoring a percussive auditory feedback and smooth, refined keystrokes, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice. However, without specific qualities for the Cherry MX Orange, it remains uncertain how it would perform in comparison. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiast preferences, and personal testing may lead to discovering the best fit for individual typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch should depend primarily on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a more tactile and engaging experience, the Cabbage Tofu's 53-gram bottom-out force, combined with its unique sound reminiscent of clacking Mahjong tiles and its creamy and silky feel, makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy quick key transitions and an audible feedback while typing. This switch caters well to typists who favor responsiveness and a snappy feel, thanks to the longer spring that enhances its actuation traits. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more traditional and dependable switch that evokes the essence of the original Cherry MX Orange, its legacy and popularity may sway your decision. Although you may find less information about its tactile feel or sound profile compared to the Cabbage Tofu, the MX Orange is a reliable choice for users who prefer a switch with historical significance and the stability of a well-established brand. Ultimately, your final decision should revolve around whether you value a more distinctive sound and feel or opt for a tried-and-true classic.
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