KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With its lengthened 22mm spring, typists can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is often likened to Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a unique and distinct auditory experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', the Cabbage Tofu offers a diverse range of sensations. On the other hand, we have the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch release renowned for its innovation. While maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, giving it a semi-silent label. With a type feel that is silky smooth but not over-polished, this switch provides an enjoyable typing experience. Classified as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Semi-Silent Linear offers a balanced and refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their material choices. The Cabbage Tofu opts for a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing of both switches.

Regarding the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two switches. Pressing down on either switch will highlight the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. At the same time, the top housing will have a more significant influence on the sound generated when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ in terms of top and bottom housing, users can experience similar results in terms of sound and feel from both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch that is suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Cabbage Tofu in this aspect. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which is considered medium. This suggests that the Semi-Silent Linear switch may have a slightly heavier feel compared to the Cabbage Tofu.

Considering weight is an important factor to many users, the lighter actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu may make it more suitable for prolonged usage, such as in work settings or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, potentially being heavier, might appeal to individuals seeking a more robust typing experience.

Overall, while the actuation forces differ and the exact force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience. Each switch offers its own unique touch and weight characteristics, allowing users to find the option that best suits their preferences and needs.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that they have different lengths. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the Cabbage Tofu falls on the longer side with its 4.0 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is more on the shallow side with its 3.7 mm travel distance.

Both options cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. Gamers, who value faster response times, often opt for shorter travel distances. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. Its shorter distance allows for quicker presses and increased responsiveness during gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress experience, the longer travel distance provided by the KTT Cabbage Tofu, at 4.0 mm, might be more appealing. It offers a greater sense of depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued and neutral sound. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, which is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It also has a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. It has reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Additionally, the switch is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, which adds to the liveliness of the typing experience.

Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. These qualities ensure a more gentle and approachable typing experience. The switch offers seamless, effortless, and uniform keystrokes, allowing for a smooth and fluid typing sensation. It possesses reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Additionally, like the Cabbage Tofu, it is super responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued and neutral sound with a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience and are super responsive. Depending on personal preferences, users can achieve similar results with either switch, providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

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

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, and a clacky bottom-out sound, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option. It has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch depends on personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch would best suit your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more