KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches like the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Spring Breeze, there are distinct differences to consider. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is praised for its improved tactility and responsiveness thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, making for a seamless transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu has been likened to the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles, adding a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, is known for its quiet operation. While it may not have the same tactile feedback as the Cabbage Tofu, its smooth and subtle typing experience may be preferred by those in quieter environments. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the Cabbage Tofu and the Spring Breeze both benefit from this characteristic of nylon, they may exhibit variations in sound based on other factors such as key design and spring mechanism.
In terms of their top housing materials, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its polycarbonate housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic composition leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a different sound experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and dull compared to the sharpness of polycarbonate.
While both the Cabbage Tofu and the Spring Breeze offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the differences between their top and bottom housings ultimately contribute to distinct typing experiences. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials affects the sound and feel when pressing down on a key versus releasing it. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches like the Cabbage Tofu and the Spring Breeze.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams, while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams, making the Spring Breeze slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between lighter typing experience and a more substantial push feel. In the end, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a slightly lighter actuation force or a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a familiar typing experience for users. However, while both switches offer the same travel distance, they differ in their typing feel and sound due to the different switch types - linear for the Cabbage Tofu and clicky for the Spring Breeze. Overall, these switches may have the same travel distance, but they offer distinct typing experiences based on their unique properties.
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 Spring Breeze 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 KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a described sound profile, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. Typists can expect a smooth and buttery sensation when typing on these switches, with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. The longer 22mm spring in the switch allows for a snappy and responsive typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch does not have a described feel profile, leaving it unknown how it compares to the Cabbage Tofu switch in terms of typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch stands out for its sharp and bright sound profile, along with its smooth and responsive typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are not provided, it is safe to assume that the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with its specific sound and feel characteristics. If one is looking for a switch with similar qualities, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice based on the provided information.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your preference for a smoother typing experience with improved tactility and a swift rebound after actuation, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile which can be reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, then the Cabbage Tofu would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a clicky sound and do not mind a lack of specific sound and feel descriptors, then the Spring Breeze may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience or a clicky sound profile.