KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock Piano

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Piano, two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and typing experiences. The Cabbage Tofu is revered for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Typing on these switches evokes the sound profile of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users will experience a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Both switches have their unique advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Piano differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The exact details of this blend are unknown but contribute to the overall sound characteristics of the switch. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB enthusiasts, thanks to its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon housing, known for its classic and traditional typing experience. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the exact details of this blend remain undisclosed but contribute to the switch's uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile.

When examining the impact of housing materials, it's important to consider the specific functionalities they affect. In the case of these switches, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials becomes crucial in determining the overall typing experience and auditory feedback of each switch. Both the Cabbage Tofu and the Piano offer distinct sound profiles, with the choice of housing materials playing a significant role in shaping these sound characteristics.

In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials, resulting in unique sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing provides a satisfying and deep sound profile. On the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Piano's POM blend contributes to its uniquely satisfying sound. Despite these differences, both switches emphasize sound quality and showcase the impact housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu is 45 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unavailable, information that is necessary to draw a direct comparison. However, both switches have a bottom out force measurement, with the Cabbage Tofu requiring 53 grams and the Piano requiring 63.5 grams.

In terms of weight, the Cabbage Tofu can be considered lighter than the Piano as it has a lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without getting fatigued. This is particularly useful for those who use their keyboards during work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a heavier push feel due to its higher bottom out force. This provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response when pressing down on the keys. The increased force required for bottoming out can lend a greater sense of satisfaction and precision to each keystroke.

Ultimately, the choice between the Cabbage Tofu and Piano switches will depend on individual preferences. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable option, whereas those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may prefer the Piano switch. The actuation force of the Piano is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares to the Cabbage Tofu in that aspect. However, the difference in bottom out force indicates that there will likely be a noticeable distinction in the typing experience provided by these switches.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer noticeably different profiles. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound with crisp and bright qualities. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This creates a stark contrast in sound profiles between the two switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the sound of the Cabbage Tofu switch may resemble the collision of Mahjong tiles, the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch also exhibit distinct qualities. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to either lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Cabbage Tofu switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke seamlessly melting into the next. Conversely, the Piano switch is characterized as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their typing feel, with the Cabbage Tofu switch opting for a creamier sensation and the Piano switch emphasizing a frictionless experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch showcase unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, while the Piano switch provides a bassy and creamy sound signature. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, where each keystroke glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky sensation, ensuring smooth and effortless typing. It is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can further shape the overall experience. If seeking similar results, it is recommended to choose the switch that aligns more closely with the desired sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Cabbage Tofu switch is best suited for those who prioritize improved tactility and responsiveness. Its lengthened spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. This switch also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which may be appealing if you prefer a crisp and bright sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value smooth and effortless key presses. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more