KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. On one hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, enabling faster transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch resembles the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch shines in environments that require quieter typing. This silenced version of the Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel accompanied by minimal audio feedback. Its sound profile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. These general pointers give an overview of why each switch can be a desirable choice based on personal preferences and typing requirements. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have distinct characteristics that create different sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those who wish to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky. While both top housings contribute to the sound when releasing a key, they offer different tones and levels of sharpness.

Regarding the bottom housings, the Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing by offering a pointed and high-pitched sound. This creates a cohesive sound profile, described as clacky. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, further differentiating the characteristics of the two switches.

While there are differences in the housing materials between the Cabbage Tofu and the Silent Ink Black, they also share some similarities. Both switches strive to deliver a satisfying high-pitched sound, albeit with different levels of sharpness. Additionally, their top housings contribute to the sound when releasing a key. However, it is important to note that the specific materials used and their properties result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. Thus, while you may achieve similar results in terms of sound, the individual characteristics of the housing materials will create a unique typing or gaming experience for each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams. These variances in force make the Cabbage Tofu switch lighter overall, providing a more effortless typing experience and allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which is preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Overall, both switches offer distinct typing experiences, catering to individuals who prioritize either a lighter or heavier keystroke.

Travel distance

The travel distance of switches plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it determines the distance a switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In this case, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a similar tactile feedback and typing feel. This means that users can expect comparable results in terms of key travel and responsiveness when using either of these switches. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be a better choice, but if you enjoy a more distinct and lively sound, the Cabbage Tofu would suit your preferences.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, which means it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The switch is also snappy, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the overall feel and responsiveness. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing becomes sleek and satisfying.

Considering all the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more distinct and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black provides a muted sound, making it suitable for environments that require quieter typing. Both switches share similar silky and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect a high-quality switch that offers improved tactility, responsiveness, and a cushion-like bottom-out feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great choice for you. With its lengthened spring, you'll experience a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving you a crisp and bright typing experience. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of your typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. It provides a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound profile, reducing the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, it offers a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. Whether you prioritize improved tactility and responsive rebound (Cabbage Tofu) or quieter typing with a cushion-like feel (Silent Ink Black), both switches offer their unique advantages. Consider the sound profile and feel descriptors that align with your preferences to make an informed decision. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more