KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, resulting in a swift rebound after actuation. This allows for a smoother transition between keystrokes, enhancing typing speed. With a sound profile reminiscent of colliding Mahjong tiles, the Cabbage Tofu offers a clacky yet creamy and high-pitched experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback upon actuation. Its sound profile is described as snappy, adding an extra layer of tactile enjoyment. While these generalities give an overview of the switches' characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cabbage Tofu and the Polaris Purple both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Cabbage Tofu or the Polaris Purple.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu features nylon while the Polaris Purple has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This material's stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Therefore, there is a noticeable contrast in sound between the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing and the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing.

When interacting with either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominently felt. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly affects the physical act of pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches provide similar benefits in their top housings due to the use of polycarbonate, users may experience contrasting sound profiles depending on the bottom housing material they prefer.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force remains unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu stands at 53 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option.

Considering the weight factor in switch selection, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu, allowing for comfortable and extended typing or gaming sessions. This lightweight characteristic makes it particularly suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in lengthy gaming marathons. On the contrary, users who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier forces of the Polaris Purple. These forces lend a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback and delivering a more robust typing experience.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of information on the Polaris Purple's actuation force, it is challenging to make a direct comparison with the Cabbage Tofu in this regard. However, based on the provided information, it can be determined that the Cabbage Tofu is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Polaris Purple, which presents a medium-heavy profile. In conclusion, individuals seeking a lighter touch and softer keystrokes would likely find the Cabbage Tofu more suitable, while those desiring a heavier typing feel might lean towards the Polaris Purple.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it suitable for those who prefer a more distinct and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound that falls in the middle ground, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you plan to use them at home or work.

When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. The smoothness is achieved through factors such as lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as snappy due to its super responsiveness, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. In comparison, the Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.

Overall, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a more distinctive and lively typing experience with its clacky, high-pitched sound and creamy, polished, and silky feel. It provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quick transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel that is approachable to most typists. Both switches offer unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences. However, if you prefer a similar sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch can still provide a snappy typing experience, even though it is not as pronounced as the Cabbage Tofu switch. Similarly, if you prefer a similar feel, the Polaris Purple switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience, although it may not be as creamy or silky as the Cabbage Tofu switch.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light typing experience. The sound profile can be described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a big tactile bump and an exhilarating typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. The sound profile is described as neutral, providing a moderate sound suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch is mild and polished, offering a gentle and sleek typing experience with reduced friction.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch depends on your preference for tactility, typing force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your personal preferences and typing style 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

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more