KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Haimu Orange Sea both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, features a lengthened 22mm spring that enhances rebound speed, providing typists with a crisp, snappy feedback and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a clacky, creamy typing experience with an engaging auditory element. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea prioritizes a smoother typing experience with its neutral sound signature, allowing users to type with ease and fluidity, perfect for long typing sessions without distraction. While the Cabbage Tofu caters to those who appreciate a more tactile and lively feel, the Orange Sea excels for those who favor a muted and invigorating approach. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Haimu Orange Sea both feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the auditory experience of the switches. Both switches utilize this material to achieve a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer nature that promotes clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate greatly enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting setups, making both switches visually dynamic. This shared choice of material for the top housing leads to a similar sound characteristic, ensuring users can expect a bright and vibrant auditory response regardless of which switch they choose.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, contributing distinctively different acoustic properties to the overall switch performance. The use of nylon, a classic in switch housing materials, results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a duller and rounder auditory output when a key is bottomed out. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu and Orange Sea may project vibrant and clear sounds during key releases thanks to their polycarbonate tops, they both produce a warmer and more subdued tone upon impact owing to their nylon bottoms.
Ultimately, the differing materials between the top and bottom housings in both switches create a balanced interplay of sound characteristics. When a switch is pressed, the nylon bottom significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a more muted and rounded response, whereas the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound upon release. Consequently, users can enjoy the benefits of both materials working in tandem, resulting in a layered acoustic experience. With identical materials, similar principles are at play between the two switches, ensuring that despite their different branding, users can expect comparable auditory performance and tactile feedback when interacting with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light option, ideal for users looking for a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke during extended use. Consequently, the Orange Sea is the lighter switch overall, while the Cabbage Tofu is heavier. Both switches demonstrate a clear difference in actuation and bottom out forces, which provides users with distinct typing experiences tailored to individual preferences for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch reveals a notable difference in their designs. The Cabbage Tofu features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for a deeper, more substantial key press. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times often desired by gamers. While the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may provide a more responsive feel, some users might find it too abrupt compared to the hearty depth offered by the longer Cabbage Tofu switch. Therefore, if you're looking for a more tactile sensation, the Cabbage Tofu is the better choice, while the Orange Sea may be ideal for those who prioritize speed.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a distinctive sound profile characterized as clacky and high-pitched, evoking the crisp and sharp noise reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This auditory experience is often bright and percussive, making it an engaging option for typists who appreciate a more dynamic acoustic feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which indicates that it prioritizes a more balanced audio output without leaning toward either high or low-pitched tones. However, the lack of additional descriptive sound attributes leaves a gap in understanding how it performs in various acoustic environments, especially when paired with different keyboards and keycaps.
In terms of tactile feel, the Cabbage Tofu excels with a creamy, silky, and snappy typing experience. Users will enjoy a smooth and buttery sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, enhanced by the longer 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after actuation. This feature promotes a responsive typing experience that feels more vibrant and alive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an invigorating feel, providing a medium tactile sensation with pronounced feedback that strikes a balance between firmness and smoothness. While both switches offer unique sensations, the Cabbage Tofu’s creamy and silky characteristics may appeal more to those who prefer a softer touch, while the Orange Sea caters to users seeking a more defined and engaging actuation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Haimu Orange Sea switches have their merits, appealing to different preferences among typists. The Cabbage Tofu’s clacky, high-pitched sound complements its smooth, responsive feel, creating an energizing typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea provides a neutral acoustic environment with a more invigorating tactile response, making it a strong contender for those who appreciate a balanced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but users can expect a highly enjoyable typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your typing style and preferences will play a crucial role. If you seek a switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a snappy, responsive experience, the Cabbage Tofu might be the better choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, along with a creamy and silky feel, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a quicker rebound and a sound profile that is clacky and bright, reminiscent of the playful sounds of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switches, with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, would suit you well. These switches provide a neutral sound signature and are designed for a seamless typing feel, characterized by their invigorating feedback and accented nature, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back yet still engaging typing experience. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize tactile responsiveness and sound or a smoother, quieter feel in your keyboard.
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