KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Tom are two intriguing options that cater to different preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, with its linear design, is celebrated for its smoothness and quick actuation, thanks to its extended 22mm spring that ensures an agile rebound after each key press. This can lead to an enhanced typing experience that feels both fluid and responsive, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a "clacky" and "snappy" sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. In contrast, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch—though less renowned, it still offers a responsive typing sensation that appeals to users who enjoy a tactile bump at the actuation point for better feedback. While the Cabbage Tofu is perfect for those who prioritize speed and smoothness, the Tom provides a more defined typing experience, which can aid in preventing accidental key presses. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 Tom switches exhibit striking similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate, a choice that significantly influences their auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is renowned for its clarity and stiffness, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's inherent properties allow for a more resonant acoustic experience, ideal for those who appreciate a crisp sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, making both switches equally captivating when illuminated. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sonic quality from the top housing of both switches.
In contrast, while both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, this material introduces a distinctive auditory dimension. Nylon is considered a classic in switch design, known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This quality is a direct result of nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a more muted and rounded sound when typing. The use of this material for the bottom housing of both the Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Tom ensures that while their upper sound signature remains bright and crisp, the overall typing experience is complemented by a warm undertone emerging from the bottom housing.
As a result of these complementary materials, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Tom switches not only provide a clear distinction between the sound profiles produced by their top and bottom housings, but they also achieve a balanced auditory experience when used together. The combination of polycarbonate's sharpness and nylon's depth leads to a well-rounded sound signature, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds. Consequently, regardless of the preferences for sound and feel, users can anticipate similar results in overall typing experience due to the synergy between the selected materials in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their metrics. The Cabbage Tofu switch features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tom requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might prefer the Cabbage Tofu, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Outemu Tom. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a tangible feedback upon fully pressing the key, whereas the bottom out force for the Tom is currently unavailable. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu is the better choice, while the Outemu Tom caters to those who appreciate a stronger actuation force, despite the lack of available bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Cabbage Tofu features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tom comes in at a shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This difference highlights that the Cabbage Tofu provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may find more satisfying as it allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Tom’s shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm might appeal to gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Consequently, individuals who enjoy the sensation of pressing down further before reaching the bottom may prefer the Cabbage Tofu, whereas those seeking faster response times may opt for the Tom. Thus, the Cabbage Tofu is the longer travel switch, and the Outemu Tom is the shorter switch.
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 Tom 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 distinctive auditory experience that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This results in a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that mimics the delightful sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, perfect for those who prefer a brighter audio profile when typing. The combination of its unique sound characteristics adds personality to the typing experience, creating an engaging feedback loop with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have any specified sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly. However, if you enjoy a muted or less pronounced sound, the Tom may still suit your preferences, depending on the build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches shine by offering a typing experience that is creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These descriptors indicate a remarkably smooth and responsive experience, with the longer 22mm spring providing swift rebound after actuation. The use of refined materials and factory lubrication contributes to reduced friction and effortless travel between keystrokes, making typing feel almost luxurious. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Tom switches remains unspecified, leaving an unknown aspect to this switch's performance for newcomers. This absence of detail means that those looking for a tactile response will need to explore the Tom’s actual performance personally.
In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a bright, crisp auditory experience alongside a supremely smooth, responsive typing sensation. The absence of a defined sound or tactile experience for the Outemu Tom means that it may provide a more traditional or muted alternative, but without the advantages found in the Cabbage Tofu. For those emphasizing auditory and tactile feedback, the Cabbage Tofu will likely provide the most satisfying results. If sound and feel are paramount in your keyboard experience, leaning toward the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches will likely yield a more enjoyable and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth, responsive typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent option. Its longer spring offers a swift rebound, which is ideal for both typing and gaming, allowing you to transition quickly between keystrokes. The clacky sound profile adds an entertaining audio dimension that some users find satisfying, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an engaging and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to tactile switches that provide a distinct bump when you press down, then the Outemu Tom may be more suitable, especially if you're looking for a traditional tactile feedback to enhance your typing accuracy. However, without concrete specifications available, it’s essential to experiment with both switch types to truly discern your preferences. In essence, consider selecting the Cabbage Tofu for its smoothness and responsiveness, while the Tom could be a potential choice if you seek a tactile feedback experience, even if the details are less defined.
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