KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique benefits for keyboard 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. When typing on the Cabbage Tofu, users can expect a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a distinctive character. On the other hand, the Durock T1 offers a super comfortable typing experience with its medium bump when pressing down, and the sound it produces resembles the soothing sound of rain falling on a window. The T1 switch is characterized by its stepped bump, low-pitched sound, and neutral yet accented feel. Considering these general qualities, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu shines in its swift responsiveness and clacky sound, whereas the Durock T1 offers a comfortable and tactile experience, accompanied by a soothing rain-like sound. However, let's now delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision in choosing the perfect switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1 both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This stiffness results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1 will provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1 utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, thanks to their nylon bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making this similarity in housing material an important factor to consider.
It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the two halves of the switch. The bottom housing will largely dictate the feel and sound when bottoming out a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if the Cabbage Tofu and the Durock T1 have different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a slight distinction in how the switches sound and feel during typing. However, since both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the impact on sound and feel should be relatively similar between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the T1 switch does not provide information on its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force reduces the fatigue that can occur from typing for long periods.
On the contrary, the T1 switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This means that users will have to exert more force to fully press the keys, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of precision while typing. This switch is great for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy the added resistance during keystrokes.
It is worth mentioning that if the actuation force of the T1 switch is similar to the Cabbage Tofu switch, both switches can potentially yield similar results in terms of actuation. Without the specific information on the actuation force of the T1 switch, it is difficult to conclude the extent of their similarities.
In summary, the Cabbage Tofu switch is lighter with a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 switch leans towards a heavier feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when comparing different types of switches. In the case of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of the depth of key activation.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The sound is more bass-heavy and mellow, resembling rain falling on a window. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound of the switch, but based on the provided information, these are the subjective qualities of the two switches.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is best described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a smooth and buttery typing experience. The application of lubricant at the factory and specific materials used contribute to the smoothness and reduced friction of the keys. Additionally, the longer 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a snappy and responsive feel, making the typing experience more lively.
On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a stepped, accented, and polished feel. The stepped characteristic indicates that the switch has two stages of tactility, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. The switch provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Cabbage Tofu switch, the polished finish of the T1 contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound profile and a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the T1 switch has a low-pitched, neutral sound profile and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. While their characteristics differ, both switches offer unique experiences for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as the clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offer a unique typing experience reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and find comfort in a medium bump when pressing down, the Durock T1 tactile switch is the way to go. Its sound profile, resembling rain falling on the window, is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral tone. Additionally, the T1 provides a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, tactility, sound, and feel. Consider trying out both to determine which one suits your typing style best.
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