KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. Typists using this switch may appreciate the clacky, creamy, and snappy sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those looking for a satisfying yet silent switch. While these general pointers give an overview of the key features of each switch, diving deeper into the specifics will help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile of a switch, especially when it comes to the sound produced when a key is released.
In contrast, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience and sound produced during use.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to offer a blend of qualities that contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch. Whether it's the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the top housing or the deeper sound produced by nylon in the bottom housing, each material brings something distinctive to the typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Cabbage Tofu has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Silent Grey has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu will provide a softer typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Grey will offer a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the two switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. This similarity allows users to expect consistent feedback and keypress response regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Silent Grey 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 Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, giving typists a sharp and percussive experience reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, with no specific descriptors provided for its sound. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but if you prefer a more distinctive and lively sound, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, giving typists a smooth, refined, and responsive typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided. Both switches aim to provide a tactile typing experience, but the Cabbage Tofu offers a range of qualities that can enhance the overall typing feel, allowing for a more dynamic and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel, the Outemu Silent Grey focuses on a quiet typing experience without specific descriptors for sound and feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches can offer a satisfying experience, although the Cabbage Tofu may provide a more diverse and lively typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a swift rebound, clacky sound profile, and a creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the Cabbage Tofu may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile switch with a pronounced bump, a quiet sound profile, and a smooth keystroke, then the Silent Grey might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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