KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard market offers a plethora of options tailored to individual preferences, and today we will delve into the distinct qualities of two popular switches: the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Cabbage Tofu switch is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This attribute enables typists to experience a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a seamless transition between keystrokes. When using the Cabbage Tofu switch, you'll be greeted with a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch distinguishes itself through its captivating Creamsicle-colored design and rich, bassy sound that elevates typing into an indulgent experience. With a medium-weight and a combination of a POM stem and proprietary factory lube, the Sunset Yellow switch delivers a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience. Both switches possess their own set of qualities that make them appealing, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively muted sound. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the POM in the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and more subdued tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM material for its bottom housing, contributing to a pleasing and unique sound. In terms of sound characteristics, both nylon and POM bring about a deeper sound profile. However, while nylon creates a fuller tone, POM offers a relatively more muted sound.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials, it becomes apparent that each material plays a role in different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. Pressing down on a switch primarily engages the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material will affect the overall sound and feel of the switch depending on its location. Despite these differences, it is worth noting that both the Cabbage Tofu and the Sunset Yellow incorporate unique housing materials that contribute to their individual and desirable sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-light range. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer a similar feel as their actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close. This characteristic may be advantageous for individuals who engage in long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as the lighter weight allows for increased comfort and reduced fatigue.
However, for users who enjoy a stronger and more substantial keystroke sensation, the slight difference in forces between the two switches may be more noticeable. While the Cabbage Tofu requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke, with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, the same applies to their respective bottom out forces of 53 grams and 51 grams.
In summary, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a medium-light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Cabbage Tofu provides a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, offering a more pronounced push feel for users seeking a more substantial keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Sunset Yellow a popular choice among them. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp, snappy sound with a crisp and bright quality. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a sound profile that is described as bassy and thocky. This means that they offer a deep, rich sound with a satisfying and low frequency range. While the Cabbage Tofu has a more sharp and percussive sound, the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper and more resonant experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Sunset Yellow are described as creamy. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, creating a sensation of gliding effortlessly across the keys. This is achieved through lubrication applied in the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch is labeled as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience due to the longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as polished and frictionless, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a bassy, thocky sound with a creamy, polished, and frictionless feel. Both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. While the specific sound and feel characteristics may differ, both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on the specific sound and feel qualities that resonate with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize swift rebound after actuation and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a quicker transition between keystrokes, enhancing your typing speed and efficiency. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you seek a captivating sound profile, a distinct gliding feel, and a highly responsive typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a great option for you. These switches offer a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a gliding feel, while the combination of short travel and a long-pole stem ensures sharp and responsive typing. Moreover, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a bassy and thocky sound, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory sensation.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a swift rebound and responsive typing experience, go for the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch. However, if you prefer a captivating sound with a gliding feel, highly responsive typing, and a rich bassy or thocky sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the better choice. Consider these factors to find the switch that suits your typing style and enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.