KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each with its own unique features and characteristics. However, two switches that stand out in terms of their performance and user experience are the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, which provides a swift rebound after actuation, enabling users to transition quickly between keystrokes. When typing on these switches, users will also enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. Its long, two-staged spring enhances the typing experience, producing deep and resonating thocks with each keystroke. While both switches provide exceptional performance, they differ in terms of their sound profile and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, its translucency allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate material used in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's bottom housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to these two switches.
When pressing down on the Cabbage Tofu switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be more noticeable. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel will have a duller and rounder characteristic due to the softness of the nylon. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch will exhibit the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing during key presses, resulting in a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. Furthermore, the release sound, when letting go of a key, will be more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, users can expect a slight variation in the key feel and sound depending on the switch they choose.
In summary, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring feature polycarbonate top housing with similar sound profiles, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a clearer and sharper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for the specific sound characteristics desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams. This means that users will have to exert slightly more pressure to trigger a keystroke on the latter switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 63 grams. This indicates that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a heavier force to fully press the keys. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu can be considered relatively lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a heavier push feel, appealing to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying key press experience with a distinct tactile feel. When using either of these switches, you will feel a 4 mm travel distance as you press down on the keys. This ensures a comfortable typing or gaming experience for users who prefer switches with a shorter travel distance.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch are described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound, similar to that of Mahjong tiles colliding. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switches have an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and the snappy nature of the switch enhances the overall responsiveness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. This implies that it provides a high level of feedback intensity, with a distinct and prominent tactile bump. The keys have a lively feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
Based on the available information, the Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, the Shadow (Ink) switch produces deep, resonating thocks when typing. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a linear switch with a clacky sound profile and smooth feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be the better choice. If you are seeking a tactile switch with a deep sound profile and a higher level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) switch would be more suitable.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a swift rebound after actuation and a quicker transition between keystrokes, the Cabbage Tofu switch with its lengthened 22mm spring would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better option. In terms of sound, both switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. As for the feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, on the other hand, provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback, giving you a lively and elastic sensation when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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