KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This results in a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, typists will be treated to a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch boasts a satisfying click that is fairly high-pitched. Despite the light keystrokes, the switch offers a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking the perfect balance. With its crunchy and invigorating feel, you'll find yourself engaged with every keystroke. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Purple Click share the same housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, as a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known as a classic switch housing material, absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition, resulting in a more rounded and duller sound.
Although the Cabbage Tofu and the Purple Click have the same housing materials, if a switch's top and bottom housings differ, the qualities each brings to the switch will be divided. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu and the Purple Click share the same materials, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom housings may affect the overall typing experience, particularly in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
In summary, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Purple Click exhibit similar housing materials. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly when used with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings in both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to their sound-absorbing properties. However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material will be divided, impacting the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively similar characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams, making the latter slightly lighter in terms of initial key trigger. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force, while the Purple Click demands 55 grams. Therefore, in terms of overall typing experience, both switches fall under the category of medium-light, with the Cabbage Tofu being slightly lighter than the Purple Click. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions, the Cabbage Tofu may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel to their keystrokes might lean towards the Purple Click. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
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 KTT Purple Click clicky switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Cabbage Tofu and the Purple Click. It is worth noting that both switches have the same travel distance, which indicates that they are designed to provide a consistent typing experience.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This creates a sharp and snappy sound profile that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound. It sounds like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, but if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, the Purple Click would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These characteristics result in a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. If you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, while the Purple Click offers a more tactile and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound, along with an invigorating and stepped typing feel. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Cabbage Tofu providing a smoother and more refined typing experience, while the Purple Click offers a more tactile and responsive feel. Keep in mind that other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a swift rebound after actuation and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the one for you. With its improved tactility and responsiveness, it offers a quick transition between keystrokes. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Additionally, it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation and reduced friction due to its creamy and polished feel.
On the other hand, if you value a satisfying high-pitched click and a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactility, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. This switch offers a perfect equilibrium between a light keystroke and noticeable tactility. The Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant, providing a sound profile similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. It offers an invigorating and reactive feel, with a moderate to firm actuation force.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cabbage Tofu and the Purple Click depends on your preferences for rebound, sound, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a swift transition between keystrokes with a clacky and high-pitched sound or a satisfying click with a crunchy and resonant sound, both switches offer quality and unique experiences.