KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two impressive mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Orange. Both switches offer unique characteristics that make them excellent options for typing enthusiasts. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch presents a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange Switches provide a bouncy type feel due to their 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick, frictionless typing experience. The Orange switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying audio feedback. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Orange share some similarities, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switches. Therefore, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Orange will provide similar sound profiles and visual effects when it comes to the top housing.
However, the key difference between these two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile similar to the top housing. This distinction means that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and top, affecting both the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing a key.
In summary, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Orange share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, their bottom housing materials differ. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This means that the overall sound and feel of the switches will vary depending on which housing material is used for the bottom and top. Both switches, however, offer the advantageous qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, especially when it comes to incorporating RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that they have very similar actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu is 45 grams, while the Orange has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Orange require 53 grams of force to fully press down. This indicates that both switches have the same level of resistance when fully pressed, resulting in a consistent typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find both switches suitable. The slight difference in actuation force between the Cabbage Tofu and the Orange may not significantly impact the typing feel, resulting in similar results for those who prefer a lighter touch.
On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, both switches still fall under the medium-light category, indicating that they may not provide the desired heaviness some typists seek. In such cases, alternative options with heavier forces may be more suitable.
In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Orange linear switches have similar actuation forces and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. The slight difference in actuation force may not significantly affect the typing feel, and both switches can be considered lightweight options for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. These two switches differ in their travel distances, with the Cabbage Tofu having a slightly longer travel distance than the Orange switch. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5mm is considered shallower. However, both options offer a range of benefits depending on personal preference. Gamers, for example, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cabbage Tofu switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches emit a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, providing a sensation of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. With their reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing feels sleek and refined. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switches are also described as snappy, indicating their high responsiveness thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. They also offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Orange switches have excellent factory-lubing, ensuring a refined and fluid key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Orange switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a switch with improved tactility and swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The lengthened 22mm spring ensures a quicker transition between keystrokes, enhancing typing speed and efficiency. Additionally, the clacky and high-pitched sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch adds a crisp and bright auditory feedback to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy type feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. The 22mm long spring provides a lively and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the excellent factory-lubing ensures a frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched, mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and overall typing feel.
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