KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron New North Pole V2. Both switches offer unique features that enhance the typing experience, but in different ways. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. This allows typists to quickly transition between keystrokes, resulting in a seamless typing experience. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is often compared to the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch stands out for its crisper typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer has a rubber dampener, which contributes to a more pronounced and precise typing feel. However, Gateron has managed to retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing sensation that users have grown to love. Ultimately, to determine the best switch for you, it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities and consider your individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal from both switches when it comes to their top housing.
However, the bottom housing of these switches differs. The Cabbage Tofu opts for nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice complements the characteristics of the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
When using these switches, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Cabbage Tofu, with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a deeper and softer typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. Therefore, both switches will offer a clear and resonant sound upon key release, thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
In summary, while the Cabbage Tofu and the New North Pole V2 share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials differ. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound experience. Whether you prefer a softer typing feel or a distinct key release sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu is lighter, at 45 grams, compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke on the Cabbage Tofu switch.
Similarly, when examining the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter force of 53 grams, while the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 62.5 grams. This indicates that the New North Pole V2 switch requires more force to fully press the key down compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cabbage Tofu switch more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and potentially longer typing periods. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel or a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the New North Pole V2 switch, due to its slightly heavier forces.
Despite these differences, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that they both provide a balance between lighter and heavier forces, offering a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of users. Therefore, if a user is aiming for a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, they can expect comparable outcomes from both the Cabbage Tofu and the New North Pole V2 switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable keypress with their identical travel distances.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 linear switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be likened to the collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, so it is uncertain how it compares in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer smooth and refined typing experiences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These descriptors indicate that it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, effortless key travel, and an exceptionally smooth overall feel. The Gateron New North Pole V2, on the other hand, is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. This suggests that it also offers a sleek and refined typing experience with smooth key travel, minimal resistance or friction, and a fluid travel sensation.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has no described sound profile, but it provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel. Although there are some similarities in the descriptors used to describe the feel of both switches, it is important to note that the overall experience may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, either switch can potentially provide similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you value improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which some users may find satisfying.
On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. The removal of the rubber dampener allows for a more responsive typing experience, while still retaining the seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron switches are known for. Moreover, the New North Pole V2s have a polished and creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Whether you prioritize improved tactility and swift rebound after actuation or a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer unique features that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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