KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique qualities of each option. The KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that provides a quick rebound after actuation, making it an ideal choice for fast typists seeking a more dynamic typing experience. Its sound profile is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky, creamy, and polished feel that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch prioritizes smoothness and affordability without sacrificing quality, delivering a thocky sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more muted yet solid auditory feedback. While both switches are linear, the Cabbage Tofu leans towards a snappier sensation, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie embodies a smooth typing experience. Each switch has its merits depending on the user's preferences and typing style; 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

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie highlight the significant impact that housing materials have on the overall sound profile and performance of mechanical switches. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity, yielding a higher-pitched, sharper tone. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences with the Cabbage Tofu’s notes resonating more perceptibly, particularly appealing to those who appreciate a brighter sound when typing. However, the visual component should not be overlooked; the translucence of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic of RGB lighting, creating a more vibrant illumination effect compared to the opaque nature of POM.

When we delve into the bottom housing, the tonal contrast becomes less stark but remains significant. The Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon bottom housing that contributes deeper and fuller sound characteristics due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This feature contrasts with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which employs a POM bottom housing, known for delivering a similarly muted sound profile. Although both contribute to a deeper tone, the nylon’s softer composition allows for slightly greater sound absorption compared to POM, which may lead to a more rounded auditory experience when bottoming out a key. This nuance illustrates how the choice of bottom housing materials can still shape the overall sound feel of a switch.

Ultimately, both switches have a complex interplay of materials defining their sound profile. While KTT Cabbage Tofu offers a higher-pitched include with sharper overtones through its polycarbonate top combined with a deeper nylon bottom, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie achieves a unique auditory signature through its dual POM composition, leading to a deeper and more muted experience. If a user prefers a fuller sound but enjoys the clarity provided by polycarbonate in RGB setups, using similar sound-absorbing materials strategically can result in comparable auditory outcomes. Each housing material plays a role, and one can fine-tune the characteristics of their switch by selecting combinations that balance sharpness with depth, accommodating personal preference uniquely in their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cabbage Tofu features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force of 48 grams, making the Cabbage Tofu more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu has a well-defined bottom out force of 53 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. If it were similar to Cabbage Tofu's, users could expect a comparable experience in terms of key travel and tactile feedback. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter switch, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly heavier, catering to those who prefer a firmer push when typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe a notable difference. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered traditional and provides a more substantial feel when pressing the key. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it more responsive, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. For those who enjoy a deeper and more hearty typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, while those who favor a snappier response might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance reflect varying preferences: a longer distance for a more satisfying keystroke and a shorter distance for enhanced speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a distinctly clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding when pressed. This sharp and crisp sound profile injects an engaging auditory feedback to each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie doesn't have a detailed sound description provided, which leaves room for uncertainty regarding its auditory characteristics. However, it is noted to produce a thocky sound profile; this typically suggests a deeper and more subdued sound, providing a contrast to the higher-pitched tones of the Cabbage Tofu. The overall sound experience with both switches could also be influenced by the specific keyboard case and keycap materials chosen, potentially leading to a confidence in achieving distinct sound profiles depending on the setup.

When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches aim to provide a luxurious typing experience with descriptors such as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This combination suggests a very smooth, refined, and responsive keypress, enhancing both the tactile and sensory aspects of typing. Its long, 22mm spring contributes to this snappy feedback, ensuring that users perceive a lively and engaging interaction. In contrast, there is no specific feel description provided for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Therefore, it remains unknown whether it can match the refined, buttery sensations and responsive feedback offered by the Cabbage Tofu. This uncertainty leaves potential users in a position of not being able to gauge the typing experience directly against the tactile qualities of the Cabbage Tofu.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is characterized by its lively sound and exquisite tactile feel, including creamy and polished sensations complemented by responsive actuation. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while presenting an appealing thocky sound profile, lacks detailed descriptors for its feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons between the two. Ultimately, the choice between them may hinge on personal preference regarding sound and typing feel, with the Cabbage Tofu promising a more defined experience based on its established characteristics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you're deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider both your typing preferences and the sound profile you desire. If you prefer a medium-light switch that offers sharp responsiveness and a distinct clacky sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, the Cabbage Tofu is likely your best choice. Its lengthened spring ensures a quick rebound after each keystroke, making it excellent for typists who value speed and accuracy. Additionally, its creamy and polished feel can provide a luxurious typing experience for those who enjoy a silky touch. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that balances quality and value with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the way to go. This switch offers a medium weight that strikes a balance for a variety of users, particularly those who appreciate smoothness and a less pronounced sound. Ultimately, your final decision should align with whether you prioritize tactile response and sound or smooth, quiet typing.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more