KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Strawberry, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for typing enthusiasts. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a seamless transition between keystrokes. Typists using this switch can expect a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with categories like "Clacky", "Creamy", and "Snappy". On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a different set of appealing features. With its attractive pink and clear housings, these delectable switches deliver a smooth actuation, delivering a comfortable feel and reliable performance. Renowned for their "Low-pitched" sound profile and attributes like "Frictionless", "Silky", and "Buttery", the Strawberry switch offers an entirely different typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Strawberry share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a suitable choice for those planning to incorporate lighting into their switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using either the Cabbage Tofu or the Strawberry.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Cabbage Tofu, with its nylon bottom housing, will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, users will experience a noticeable difference in the bottom-out sound and feel when utilizing these switches.
In summary, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Strawberry share the advantages of using polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound characteristics during both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams.
In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium range. However, the Cabbage Tofu is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Strawberry. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Strawberry is heavier, requiring more force to press all the way down compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice as its actuation force is relatively low. This lighter actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions where speed is crucial.
On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. This gives users a stronger push feel when pressing the keys, which can add a sense of satisfaction and stability to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. If a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes are desired, the Cabbage Tofu would be the preferable option. However, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the Strawberry would be a better fit. In either case, these switches provide dependable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a reliable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance one feels when pressing down on a key. In the case of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when using either switch, one will experience a similar feeling when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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
The Cabbage Tofu linear switch from KTT is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. When it comes to sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound, similar to the colliding sound of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Strawberry linear switch from KTT is loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, and in terms of sound, it is described as low-pitched. This means that it typically produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless gliding of fingers across the keys with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The longer 22mm spring also contributes to the snappy and responsive feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Typing on these switches provides an exceptionally smooth and fluid experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The overall typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform.
In conclusion, the Cabbage Tofu and Strawberry linear switches from KTT offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. Its feel is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Its feel is frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so based on personal preference, the user can select the switch that suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and improved tactility, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is a great choice. Its lengthened 22mm spring ensures swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quick transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth actuation, the KTT Strawberry switch is the way to go. Its attractive pink and clear housings add to its appeal. The sound profile of the Strawberry switch is low-pitched, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, ensuring an effortless and uniform keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Cabbage Tofu and Strawberry switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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