KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both notable mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, enabling quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, its sound profile evokes the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, also a linear switch, showcases the beauty of a buttery smooth typing experience. Equipped with a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a delightful sensation with every keystroke. The Sea Salt Lemon boasts a sound profile that is low-pitched, neutral, and mild. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu features a nylon material, while the Sea Salt Lemon also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. So, whether you opt for the Cabbage Tofu or the Sea Salt Lemon, the typing experience will be characterized by this deeper and more resonant sound.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing material. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches are the same, the bottom housing material will contribute to a difference in the overall sound and typing experience between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes evident that they both have the same actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches require a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke and a force of 53 grams to bottom out. This makes them both medium-light switches. Therefore, if weight is a factor to consider, both switches offer a similar experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, either switch would be suitable. Similarly, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, both switches would provide the desired force. Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer comparable actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with consistent results.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, the results of using these switches will be similar in terms of the tactile feedback and keystroke feel. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience with a moderate travel distance. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the neutral profile makes them suitable for a variety of purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The smoothness and buttery feel of these switches are achieved through lubrication applied at the factory and specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as each keystroke melts seamlessly into the next. Additionally, the longer springs make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches offer a more approachable feel with their middle-ground qualities, ensuring a comfortable and less pronounced typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound, along with a mild and gentle typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches. However, if you prefer a similar sound or feel, you can expect to achieve comparable results in either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu would be the ideal choice for you. Its lengthened 22mm spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. In terms of feel, this switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, giving you a smooth and buttery sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be a great option. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design provide a silky and mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Sea Salt Lemon produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In closing, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility, responsiveness, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize improved tactility and a clacky sound or a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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