KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Pine

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a seamless transition between keystrokes. The Cabbage Tofu switch also offers a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with options ranging from clacky to silky. On the other hand, meet the KTT Pine Linear Switches, known for their translucent, forest green appearance. These medium-heavy switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to their polished and factory-lubed finish. With a focus on minimizing friction, the Pine switches offer a low-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of elegance to your typing. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Although both switches share this common material, it is worth noting that the Cabbage Tofu and the Pine may still exhibit slight variations in sound due to other factors such as keycaps and internal components.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon housing, while the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, similar to its polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in materials may lead to subtle differences in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.

When it comes to pressing down on the switch and releasing a key, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact and sound during the bottom-out, will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu and the Pine share similarities in their top housing material, their choice of bottom housing materials may result in slight variations in overall sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, ensuring similar results in terms of typing responsiveness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is lighter compared to the Pine switch's bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that the Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly lighter typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Pine switch provides a more substantial typing feel with a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push for a fulfilling typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force remains the same, the bottom out force distinguishes these switches, offering users the option to choose between a lighter or heavier feel depending on their preference.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from top to bottom is the same. Therefore, whether using the Cabbage Tofu or the Pine, users can expect similar results in terms of the feeling and feedback experienced when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable travel distance for smooth keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing these switches creates a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. The key presses produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Pine switches would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and Pine switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These switches provide a silky sensation, gliding your fingers across the keys with ease and effortlessly melting into each keystroke. The Pine switch, similarly, is also described as creamy and buttery, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.

Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Pine switches have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a creamy and buttery feel. Based on these descriptions, it seems that the two switches would provide different subjective experiences to users. However, if you are seeking similar results, you may consider both switches to offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its lengthened 22mm spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which some users may find crisp and bright. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, it minimizes friction and offers smooth key travel. This switch also produces a bassy and low-pitched sound during key presses, providing a deeper and richer sound profile. It offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, making each keystroke feel seamless, effortless, and uniform.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Pine linear switches depends on your preferences. If you prioritize improved tactility, a swift rebound, and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be an excellent option. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, buttery typing experience, along with a polished finish, a bassy, low-pitched sound, and uniform keystrokes, the Pine switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your preferred typing experience and sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more