KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Quinn, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is a linear switch that stands out for its impressive tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, this switch ensures a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Furthermore, the sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a unique and distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch renowned for its crisp and light tactility, coupled with a deep and resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings create a rich and immersive sound, adding character to the typing experience. With each keystroke, users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump. Both switches have their own qualities that make them compelling options; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch best suits your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Quinn differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Quinn features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have translucent top housings, the difference in material will affect the sound coloration and overall feel during typing.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Quinn employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share this housing material, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel can vary. It is worth noting that the bottom housing can lend its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience, complementing the top housing in creating a well-rounded switch.

It is important to consider the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of a switch. The Cabbage Tofu, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, will offer a combination of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound upon key release, along with a deeper and fuller sound during typing. On the other hand, the Quinn, with nylon as the material for both the top and bottom housing, will provide a more consistent, duller, and rounder sound profile throughout the typing experience. While the overall feeling and sound may differ between the two switches, both are designed to enhance the auditory feedback during typing, allowing for a satisfying and immersive keyboarding experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see both similarities and differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Quinn requires a slightly heavier force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Cabbage Tofu offers a more sensitive and responsive typing experience, while the Quinn provides a slightly more substantial push feel.

In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force to fully press down, while the Quinn demands 67 grams. This indicates that the Quinn provides a firmer bottoming out sensation, offering a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a heavier typing experience.

Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel for long periods of typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, as its actuation and bottom out forces are comparatively lower. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial and weighted typing experience may find the higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Quinn more suitable for their needs.

Overall, the Cabbage Tofu offers a lighter and more sensitive typing experience with medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, while the Quinn provides a heavier and more pronounced tactile feedback with medium-heavy forces. Both switches have their unique advantages, so it ultimately depends on the individual's preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see a difference in their distances. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional depth. On the other hand, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This shorter distance may be favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance would be the better option. While the Quinn offers a shorter distance and the Cabbage Tofu has a longer one, both switches provide similar results in terms of functioning as keys on a keyboard.

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. The switch produces a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound that resembles the collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a deep and rich sound that adds character to their typing experience. The sound produced by the Quinn switch is clean, sharp, and immersive. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you prefer a clacky sound, both switches will provide similar results, although the specific tonal qualities may differ.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery, providing a gliding sensation as your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The polished finish and lubrication, either from factory application or specific materials used, contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the snappy nature of the switch enhances the responsiveness and liveliness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is also described as snappy and polished, offering a sleek and refined typing experience. The switch provides a bouncy, accented, and buttery feel, giving users a spring-like feedback and a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky sound profile with a high-pitched tone, while providing a creamy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn tactile switch offers a deep, resonant, and clacky sound profile with a low-pitched tone, while providing a snappy and polished typing experience. Both switches deliver their own distinct qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that each switch may still provide similar results in terms of clacky sound and snappy feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers improved tactility and responsiveness, making for a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a better fit for you. It offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound profile of the Quinn switch is described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, it is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a super responsive and lively typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch and the Gateron Quinn switch depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium-light or medium-heavy switch, a clacky and high-pitched sound, or a deep and resonant sound, and a creamy and polished feel or a snappy and buttery feel. By considering these factors, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more