KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Oil King both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a smoother transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is often likened to the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Oil King by Gateron stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. While the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as "clacky," "creamy," and "high-pitched," the Oil King is categorized as "low-pitched," "creamy," and "silky." Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Oil King differ in their housing materials, with the Cabbage Tofu featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King both contribute to a satisfying sound experience. While the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu creates a deeper and fuller sound, the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. An important distinction is that the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the Cabbage Tofu and the Oil King will provide different tactile experiences when pressed down.

In terms of aesthetics, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, allowing for the use of RGB lighting. This can enhance the overall visual appeal of the switch, especially for those who appreciate customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing, although not transparent like polycarbonate, offers a classic and timeless look that may appeal to those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. Ultimately, personal preferences in terms of sound and appearance will dictate which housing material is preferred between the Cabbage Tofu and the Oil King.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, notable differences can be observed. The Cabbage Tofu requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Oil King demands a slightly heavier force of 55 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, allowing for extended usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires a force of 53 grams, whereas the Oil King places a heavier burden of 65 grams on the user. This implies that the Oil King is better suited for those who desire a more solid and pronounced keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Conversely, the Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming marathons.

In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a medium-light actuation and bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch and extended usage. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, appealing to individuals who desire a more forceful and substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different options to suit the preferences and needs of users, allowing for a customized typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance and sensation. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between the two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This means that the sound is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The sound is more mellow, rich, and reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Oil King switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience. This indicates that they provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This could be due to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switches. The typing experience feels effortless, as if your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is also described as snappy, indicating its high responsiveness and liveliness during typing.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Oil King switches offer subjective qualities that make them enjoyable to use. While the Cabbage Tofu has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Oil King has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Both switches provide a creamy and silky typing experience, as well as a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of typing. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a more mellow and rich sound, both switches can deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light, while the Oil King switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.

If you value improved tactility and responsiveness, the Cabbage Tofu switch is a great option. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you'll experience a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer buttery smoothness, the Gateron Oil King switch is an excellent choice. Its smooth and refined finish offers a sleek typing experience, minimizing friction and providing smooth key travel. The sound profile of the Oil King switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.

Both switches share the same creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the Oil King switch is also described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

In the end, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch. Ultimately, it's about finding the switch that suits your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more