KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness due to the lengthened 22mm spring, resulting in a swift rebound after actuation for a faster typing experience. This switch provides a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a distinct feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Cabbage Tofu is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and charm, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. While the bottom housings are the same, the top housings differ, with the Cabbage Tofu using polycarbonate and the V3 Piano Pro using nylon. This contrast in materials leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Cabbage Tofu, compared to the deeper and fuller sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
On the aesthetic side, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding a visual appeal to the switch. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual excitement, but it contributes to the switch's overall sound by creating a deeper and fuller tone. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing ultimately depends on whether the user values visual aesthetics or sound quality more in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Overall, while both switches have nylon bottom housings that result in a similar deep and full sound profile, the choice of top housing material sets them apart. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a brighter tone and visually appealing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who prioritize sound quality over visual aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force of both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches is the same at 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is slightly lighter at 53 grams compared to the Piano Pro's 55 grams, which means that the Cabbage Tofu requires slightly less force to fully press the key. This difference may result in a slightly softer typing experience on the Cabbage Tofu compared to the Piano Pro. Overall, both switches fall into the category of medium-light switches, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred.
Travel distance
In comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm travel distance. The Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers for its quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you value a longer, more traditional travel distance or a shorter, more responsive one.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, providing a clean and sharp sound profile with a higher-pitched tone for an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer a unique sound signature that adds character to each keystroke, making them stand out in terms of sound quality.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch also provides a snappy feel due to its super responsive nature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile experience with different characteristics that cater to varying preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and snappy feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different tastes in mechanical keyboard switches, providing users with a diverse selection to choose from to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Cabbage Tofu or the Piano Pro, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with their preferred sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, the Cabbage Tofu may be the best choice for you. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Additionally, the feel of the Cabbage Tofu is creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for you. The sound profile of the V3 Piano Pro is also described as clacky but resonant, giving a clean and sharp auditory experience. The feel of the V3 Piano Pro includes bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, providing a combination of smoothness and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing satisfaction.