KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu emits a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is praised for its medium level of tactility, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Shadow offers an approachable tactility. Furthermore, its sound profile is described as deep and thocky. Categorized as 'Bouncy', this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Cabbage Tofu employs nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This further contributes to the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. The bottom housing also has an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect differences in sound and tactile feedback when pressing down on the switches.
In summary, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Each housing material plays a role in the overall sound and tactile experience of the switch. Therefore, users can choose between the switches based on their preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have a medium-light feel, but the Cabbage Tofu is slightly lighter than the Shadow (Ink). The Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Shadow (Ink) requires 48 grams. When it comes to bottoming out, the Cabbage Tofu has a force of 53 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) has a force of 55 grams. Despite these slight variations, both switches fall within the same range, providing a similar typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a slightly lighter or slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect to feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, there is no notable difference in travel distance between these two switches.
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) Single 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) Single 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This switch offers a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch does not have a described sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Based on the available information, it is expected that the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch will provide a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch remains unknown.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with an effortless glide across the keys as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. It is also described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This switch offers a lively feel with a rebound when pressed. Based on the available information, it is expected that the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch will provide a creamy, polished, and silky feel, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch will offer a bouncy sensation.
Taking into account the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky feel, with a snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. Although its sound profile remains unknown, it is described as providing a bouncy feedback sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and it would ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, if similar sound and feel are desired, it is possible to achieve comparable results by choosing switches with similar descriptors such as high-pitched or snappy for sound, and creamy or silky for feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be crisp and bright. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, making it feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be a suitable option for you. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility. It also features a deep and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a bouncy sensation, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. So consider your personal preferences and typing style when making your decision.
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