KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, also a linear switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its longer 22mm spring, which allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a seamless transition between keystrokes. Typists using the Cabbage Tofu switch will appreciate its distinctive sound profile that resembles the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch is famous for its gummy feel, providing typists with a deeply satisfying and chewy typing experience. Its sound profile is more subdued, delivering a muted and satisfying typing sound. Both switches offer creamy and polished typing experiences, but the Cabbage Tofu has a higher pitch and snappier feel compared to the North Pole V2, which has a bouncy quality to it. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be effectively showcased. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects when using either the Cabbage Tofu or the North Pole V2.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a noticeable difference between the two switches. The Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice maintains the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Cabbage Tofu will differ from that of the North Pole V2, with the former providing a deeper and fuller typing experience.

In terms of overall performance, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics upon key release. However, due to the differing materials for their bottom housings, there will be a distinction in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu will offer a deeper and fuller sound when pressing keys, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 will maintain a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether users prefer a rounder, mellower sound (Cabbage Tofu) or a sharper, more defined sound (North Pole V2) while typing.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu is slightly lighter, at 45 grams, compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that it requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke on the Cabbage Tofu switch. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is also lighter at 53 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that when typing on the Cabbage Tofu switch, the keys will require less force to fully press down compared to the North Pole V2.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods of time, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better option as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces provide a more effortless keystroke. This is especially ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial typing feel and enjoys a stronger push when pressing the keys, the North Pole V2 with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch offers a sharp and snappy sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and crisp sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a good choice, while the North Pole V2 switch provides a more muted sound experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, the longer 22mm spring in this switch enhances its responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive and snappy. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. Typing on this switch will give you a unique sensation of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It combines a smooth and buttery feel with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively bounce. Similar to the Cabbage Tofu switch, the North Pole V2 switch likely benefits from factory lubing or specific materials to offer a polished and sleek typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a sharp, clacky sound and offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. In contrast, the North Pole V2 switch has a muted sound and provides a unique gummy sensation while typing, along with a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. If you prefer a sharper sound and snappier feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a typing experience with a gummy, bouncy feel, the North Pole V2 switch would suit you well. Both switches offer smooth and buttery typing experiences with possible lubing and specific materials.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its 53-gram bottom out force and lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu can be described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a suitable choice. With its 65-gram bottom out force, you can expect a satisfying chewy typing feel. The sound profile of the North Pole V2 is described as subdued, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience, with a unique sensation of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and the specific attributes you value in a switch to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more