KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Green offer two distinctly different experiences tailored for specific typing preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its linear design that provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, enhanced by its elongated 22mm spring, which promotes a swift rebound and quick transition between keystrokes. This unique engineering results in a sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding—an enjoyable auditory experience for many typists who appreciate a clacky, creamy, and polished feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, is designed for those who relish an audible and tactile response with each keystroke, making every press satisfying and engaging. While the Cabbage Tofu excels in providing a smooth, high-performing feel ideal for fast typists, the Outemu Green invites users to enjoy the traditional clickity-clack that many find nostalgic and satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Green switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate, which significantly influences the auditory experience during typing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper acoustic response when keys are pressed. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a vibrant and visually appealing light diffusion when the switches are illuminated.
In terms of their bottom housing, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Green switches both feature nylon, a material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a sound that is more muted and rounded. This quality of nylon makes it traditionally favored among mechanical switch enthusiasts seeking a warmer typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switches results in a complementary sound profile where the top housing produces clarity and brightness, while the bottom housing brings depth and warmth, forging a balanced audio experience.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Green switches, yet the similar usage of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom ensures a consistent, high-quality typing experience across both models. The polycarbonate top contributes to the sharpness and responsiveness during key release, while the nylon bottom controls the bottom-out sound, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing. This synergy between the two materials allows users to appreciate the nuanced auditory characteristics that each switch offers, while experiencing a familiar blend of clarity and depth regardless of the specific model chosen.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. As a result, the Cabbage Tofu is lighter, ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended use, while the Outemu Green is heavier, catering to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct preferences in switch choice: lighter switches for endurance and heavier switches for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since both switches share this same travel distance, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, which contributes to a uniform typing experience. The consistency in travel distance might appeal to those who seek a balanced and cohesive typing feel across different switches. In conclusion, with both switches having the same travel distance, players and typists can achieve similar results in terms of key response and overall engagement.
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 Outemu Green comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches deliver a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sound profile produces a crisp, bright, and percussive quality that can enhance the tactile joy of typing, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks a defined sound profile, meaning it doesn't offer a unique auditory signature that distinguishes it in the same way. Therefore, users who value auditory feedback might find the Cabbage Tofu's sound more fulfilling, especially if they prefer higher-pitched, sharper sounds over deeper, richer tones.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches shine with a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This smoothness, which often results from factory lubrication and high-quality materials, allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The added snappiness from the longer 22mm spring heightens responsiveness, providing a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switches do not have a described feel, leaving potential users without any specific tactile feedback to anticipate. The pronounced smoothness and responsiveness of the Cabbage Tofu enhance that typing pleasure, making it well-suited for both typists and gamers who appreciate a refined and engaging feel.
In conclusion, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its impressive sound and tactile profile, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not offer equivalent subjective qualities, particularly in sound and feel. Those seeking a stimulating auditory and tactile experience may gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu for its clacky sound and creamy touch. Those elements combine to create a unique typing environment that balances both sensory pleasure and practical performance. With the absence of specific characteristics for the Outemu Green, the choice becomes clear for those who prioritize both auditory feedback and typing feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a light and swift typing experience with a smooth, responsive feel, the Cabbage Tofu is your best bet; its medium-light bottom out force and long spring design provide a quick rebound for rapid keystrokes, making it ideal for dynamic typists and gamers. Additionally, the clacky and high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier key actuation and a more tactile feedback, the Outemu Green switch would be more suitable. This switch’s 80 grams of force will give you that deliberate sensation with each keystroke, which can be reassuring for those who value precision. However, it's worth noting that the Green lacks the unique sound and refined feel that the Cabbage Tofu offers. Ultimately, consider how you type and what you value in your keyboard experience to make the best choice for your needs.
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