KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as exceptional linear options, each with its own unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that facilitates a swift rebound post-actuation, making for an engaging and dynamic typing experience. Typists are treated to a sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, creating a clacky, creamy, and silky auditory feedback that enhances the sense of interaction with the keys. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is designed for ultimate smoothness, utilizing the latest available molds to deliver a consistent performance. Its balanced sound profile is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it versatile for both typing and gaming without causing fatigue. While both switches provide enjoyable linear experiences, they cater to different preferences in tactility and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Strawberry Latte, an interesting contrast emerges with their top housings. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also accentuates RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for gamers and enthusiasts who enjoy illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. While POK is renowned for its extremely smooth texture and durability, it contributes to a distinct sound profile. The POK housing delivers a smooth yet clacky typing experience, differing from the sharper response of polycarbonate and resulting in a less pronounced sound when keys are released.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This classic material produces a rich, deeper sound profile, creating a fuller auditory experience when typing. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to the switches' overall effect, delivering a more muted response compared to harder materials. Thus, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings, both the Cabbage Tofu and Strawberry Latte rely on the nylon bottom housing to produce constructive sound characteristics and a similar overall typing feel, ultimately tying both switches to a common auditory experience.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of each material's unique characteristics impacts how users perceive the switches. While the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top provides a sharper and more robust top-out sound, the Strawberry Latte's POK top material results in a smoother yet distinct auditory signature. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing offers a sense of cohesion between the two switches, as each contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. This nuanced interaction between the different materials leads to a diverse and engaging typing experience, showing that even with different top housing compositions, users can enjoy similar outcomes in terms of sound depth and typing satisfaction due to the common nylon foundation.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, marking it as a light switch. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a less strenuous keystroke might find the Strawberry Latte easier to use, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu, which provides a firmer feel due to its higher forces. Overall, while both switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different preferences, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, making it ideal for prolonged usage, whereas the Cabbage Tofu's heavier feel may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's evident that the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Strawberry Latte has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience significantly; those who favor a more responsive key feel may lean towards the Strawberry Latte for its quicker actuation. Conversely, the Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional, deeper experience that some users may find more satisfying, as it provides a greater sense of depth with each keystroke. Ultimately, if you prefer a swift response for gaming or fast typing, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Strawberry Latte would be advantageous, whereas the 4 mm Cabbage Tofu might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a pronounced auditory experience characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone, akin to the sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sharp, crisp auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a lively sound profile. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a balanced sound profile that falls in between, neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the specific descriptor of the Strawberry Latte's sound is not detailed, its balanced nature suggests a more subtle auditory experience that may be preferable in quieter environments or for those who prefer less sonic drama during their typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu shines with qualities that include a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, enhanced by its longer spring which contributes to a snappy responsiveness. This suggests a typing experience where keystrokes glide smoothly and efficiently with minimum resistance, providing a rich tactile satisfaction. The specific feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte is unknown, but given its reputation for super smoothness, it can be reasonably inferred that it offers a refined typing experience, likely aligning well with users' desires for a smooth and effortless keystroke, similar to what the Cabbage Tofu provides.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu offers a lively, bright sound and a richly tactile experience, making it ideal for those who value auditory feedback and a responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte presents a balanced sound that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing environment. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying experience, and the choice between them will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile response.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches should be guided by your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and responsiveness. If you prefer a more tactile and responsive switch with a bit of a clacky sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent option due to its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and its unique sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles. You'll appreciate the combination of its creamy feel, polished finish, and swift rebound that enhances typing dynamics, making it well-suited for both fast typists and those who enjoy a bit more engagement with their keys. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, you'll likely find the Huano Strawberry Latte appealing, especially with its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. While it lacks the distinct sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu, its super smooth operation may be preferable for long typing sessions or those who prioritize a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in a switch—tactility and responsiveness versus smoothness and softness.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more