KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cabbage Tofu stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo indulges your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. These switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, offering a subtle and mellow sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Oreo share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu and the Oreo differ in materials. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering the same sharper and crisper sound profile as its top housing. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile experience when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Cabbage Tofu and the Oreo are the same, their bottom housings differ significantly, which influences the sound and feel of the switches. The Cabbage Tofu with its nylon bottom housing will deliver a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing will maintain the sharp and crisp sound profile. It's essential to consider these differences in housing materials when selecting a switch that aligns with your preferred sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it can be observed that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. Therefore, those who prefer a slightly heavier feel while pressing the keys might find the Oreo switch more suitable for their typing needs. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods of time may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu switch due to its slightly lower bottom out force. Despite these slight differences, both switches can provide a medium-light typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, both switches have the same travel distance, meaning that pressing down on either key will result in a similar experience and feedback. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a specific travel distance of 4 mm, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch will provide you with the desired result.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile. These switches have a chirpy sound with a little squeak to them, giving them a unique acoustic signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches are described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. They provide a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with ease. The longer 22mm spring in these switches facilitates a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a more responsive and alive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is categorized as accented and stepped. These switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They have a prominent tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Some users may feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a more mild tactile experience.
Based on the available information, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Oreo switch has a chirpy sound. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Oreo switch is accented and stepped, offering a medium tactile bump. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, but the specific preferences of the user may determine which switch is more suitable. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences, as well as factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
To sum up, if you prioritize a swift rebound and quick transition between keystrokes, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. It offers improved tactility and responsiveness thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile when typing, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a good fit for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is worth considering. These switches provide a delightful cushioned sensation when bottoming out and offer a palatable medium light tactility. Moreover, if you appreciate a subtle and mellow sound profile while typing, the Oreos would be a perfect match.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize a swift rebound and clacky sound (Cabbage Tofu) or a comfortable typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and subtle sound (Oreo), both switches have their distinct advantages and can enhance your typing experience. Explore the qualities of each switch and choose the one that aligns with your preferences for the ultimate typing satisfaction.