KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, known for its linear design, boasts an impressive tactility and responsiveness thanks to its extended 22mm spring, which provides a delightful, swift rebound after each keypress. Users often describe its sound profile as akin to the clinking of Mahjong tiles, making it both satisfying and unique. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile feedback, featuring a well-defined, short bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, this switch is designed to cater to those who appreciate a clear tactile sensation while typing. While both switches have their merits— the Cabbage Tofu offering a creamy and snappy typing feel, and the Cherry MX Purple RGB providing a more refined tactile experience— the decision ultimately boils down to individual preference. 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
45g
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 Purple RGB, it becomes evident that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which influences their sound profiles significantly. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristics due to its stiffness. This choice is particularly beneficial for users who want to enhance the effects of RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for better light diffusion and visibility. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is equipped with a nylon top housing, which provides a more subdued sound profile characterized by deeper and fuller tones created by the material's softer consistency. This distinction in top housing materials establishes a fundamental contrast in the auditory experiences offered by the two switches.
On the other hand, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon for their bottom housings. In this regard, they share a commonality that leads to similar sound characteristics when typing. Nylon, being a classic material in switch designs, tends to absorb sound effectively, offering a rounder and more muted sound profile that can contribute to a comfortable typing experience. The bottom housing's qualities are more prominent during the actuation and bottoming out of the switch, leading to a deeper auditory feedback in both switches. Thus, while there are varying sound profiles in the upper sections of the switches, the nylon bottom housings ensure a level of consistency between the two models, highlighting the importance of material choice in dictating overall performance.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials in the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Cherry MX Purple RGB creates unique auditory and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu offers a bright and clear upper register, while the nylon bottom contributes to a fuller sound upon actuation. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB features a muted higher end due to its nylon top but still maintains depth thanks to its similarly constructed bottom. This disparity illustrates how the combination of housing materials impacts both sound and feel across different switches, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their preferences for auditory feedback while typing.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons will find both switches appealing. However, the KTT Cabbage Tofu has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press the switch all the way down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. Therefore, while both switches feel similar at the actuation point, the Cabbage Tofu offers a heavier overall experience due to its bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is the heavier option, while both switches maintain a light actuation for easier typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a uniform experience when pressing down on their keys. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable responsiveness and feel while typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, switching between them may not significantly affect typing performance or comfort, allowing for a seamless transition for those who prefer either option.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Cabbage Tofu is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding with a crisp and bright auditory presence. This sound profile contributes to a sharp, snappy experience that engages users in the tactile feedback of their typing. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB’s sound characteristics are not specified here, leaving its auditory properties somewhat of an enigma. However, the overall sound of both switches can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material used, which means users might be able to achieve a similar level of acoustic satisfaction depending on their keyboard configuration.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu offers a truly delightful typing experience, described using several terms such as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These descriptors indicate that the switch has been designed for smoothness and responsiveness, providing a luxurious tactile feel that resembles gliding fingers effortlessly across keys. The combination of a longer spring and potentially a lube application likely enhances this experience, resulting in minimal resistance during keystrokes. On the other hand, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches has not been elaborated upon in this discussion. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu presents a rich array of tactile sensations, we lack insights into the tactile response of the MX Purple RGB switches, leaving a gap for comparative analysis.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is well-regarded for its enjoyable sound profile and unmatched tactile experience, characterized by its clacky sound and smooth, buttery feel. In contrast, the sound and feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches remain indistinct, indicating a potential area of exploration for newcomers. As both switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences, users may find a satisfying typing journey with either, but the Cabbage Tofu particularly shines in its described qualities, offering a more defined experience for those who prioritize sound and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-light feel and appreciate a quick rebound after key actuation for faster typing, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent option. Its unique sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, adds a playful auditory element that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and a refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is the way to go. While it may lack specific metrics like a bottom-out force available, its collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts promises a high-quality tactile experience. Ultimately, if smoothness and responsiveness are your priority, opt for the Cabbage Tofu; if you favor tactile feedback with moderate resistance, choose the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Each switch has its unique qualities, allowing you to select the one that best aligns with how you type and engage with your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
