KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer distinct advantages for different types of typists. The Cabbage Tofu switch is praised for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to a lengthened 22mm spring that provides a quick rebound after actuation. Typists will enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. With a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these factory-lubed switches are perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer nylon plastic absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. However, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Cabbage Tofu allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a switch with a distinct sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing offers the added benefit of translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing may not provide the same visual appeal, but it does contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the split between the top and bottom housings may result in a different overall feel when pressing down on the switch versus letting go of a key.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those prioritizing a sharper and crisper sound profile may opt for the Cabbage Tofu with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and rounder sound experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials, but ultimately, the decision will depend on the user's specific preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter in both categories. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. A 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, while 3.3 mm is shallower. Gamers may prefer the Cabbage Tofu switch for its longer travel distance, allowing for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, those who prefer a shallower key press may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. The sound produced by each switch is heavily influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so the overall sound experience may vary based on these additional variables.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky typing experience that is enhanced by its snappy responsiveness. This smooth and buttery feel is attributed to a combination of lubrication and specific materials used in the switch. On the contrary, the tactile Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch does not have specific descriptors available regarding its feel. Thus, it's unclear how its tactile bump and overall typing experience compare to the Cabbage Tofu.
Considering the available information, it's clear that the Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct sound and potentially different tactile experiences. While the Cabbage Tofu is associated with a clacky, high-pitched sound and a smooth, polished feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet "thocky" sound with tactile feedback. To determine which switch is best suited for your preferences, it's essential to try both and consider factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Given the differences in sound and feel between the two switches, users can expect contrasting results when typing on keyboards equipped with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a snappy rebound after actuation, the Cabbage Tofu may be the better option for you. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and what features you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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