KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Kailh Plum, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is best known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a unique and distinctive clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, offers a different experience. The Plum feels hefty but lacks a noticeable tactile bump, which sets it apart from other tactile switches. The sound profile of the Plum is neutral and enjoyable. While the Cabbage Tofu offers improved tactility and a distinct sound profile, the Plum provides a unique weightiness without a prominent tactile bump. 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

Kailh Plum Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Kailh Plum are quite similar in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Plum switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal.

However, when it comes to their bottom housing, the switches differ in material. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes nylon, while the Plum also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Thus, both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on them.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in different aspects of the typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a stronger influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Plum's actuation force is not specified, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be a more suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the heavier Plum switch would be the better option. Its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying keystroke.

Although the specific actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, it's worth mentioning that if it were to have a similar actuation force to the Cabbage Tofu, their results would be comparable. Overall, weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it directly influences the typing experience. Whether one prefers lighter keys for prolonged use or heavier keys for a more substantial feel, both the Cabbage Tofu and Plum switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. While the Cabbage Tofu offers a more substantial feel, the Plum's shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both options provide satisfactory results, with one offering a longer travel distance and the other a slightly shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It doesn't have any extreme characteristics and offers a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch is the way to go, while the Plum switch offers a more neutral and enjoyable sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, as they melt into each keystroke. The polished finish adds to the sleekness and reduces friction, resulting in a smooth key travel. Furthermore, the silky nature of the switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The snappy characteristic indicates that these switches are super responsive, providing a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a more mild and stepped typing experience. It is gentle in comparison to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It has a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The stepped feature means that the switch feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel being noticeable. If you prefer a smooth and snappy typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch is a solid choice, while the Plum switch offers a more gentle and stepped tactile feel.

Based on the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, ensuring a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, and provides a mild and stepped tactile feel. While both switches have their unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and snappy typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more neutral sound with a gentle and stepped tactile feel, the Plum switch will deliver similar results.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it all depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a creamy, polished, silky, or snappy typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a perfect fit.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, the Plum tactile switch is worth considering. It offers a more gentle typing experience and the characteristics of a mild or stepped switch. If you prioritize a more approachable sound and feel, along with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations, the Plum switch would be a suitable option.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches. Whether you prioritize swift rebound and clacky, high-pitched sound of the Cabbage Tofu or the moderate actuation force and mild, stepped feel of the Plum, both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Take these factors into account and select the switch that best suits your typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more