KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. Typists utilizing these switches will notice a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance with a 63.5g bottom-out weight. The neutral sound signature of these switches reflects Aflion's dedication to fine-tuned innovation and is categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. When choosing between the two, the Cabbage Tofu excels in swift rebound and tactile feel, while the Thunder Shadow provides a medium weight touch and a balanced typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the housings allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material between the two switches means that users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches creates a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users looking for a more muted typing experience. The combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a balanced sound profile, with the top and bottom housings each contributing distinct qualities to the overall typing feel and sound.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is also lighter at 53 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a smoother and easier typing experience with a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, we can see that the Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Thunder Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The shorter travel distance of the Thunder Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, which complements its medium weight feel. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a sharper and more percussive sound compared to the more neutral sound of the Thunder Shadow.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with enhanced smoothness and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, while the Thunder Shadow prioritizes feedback and immersion.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel, emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow delivers a neutral sound signature with an invigorating feel, focusing on pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to cater to their specific typing needs.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, if you are looking for a switch that provides a swift rebound after actuation and offers improved tactility and responsiveness, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch may be the right choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, you can expect a clacky and high-pitched sound when typing with these switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance overall, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams might be more suitable for you. The Thunder Shadow switches offer a snappy and reactive feel with a neutral sound signature, providing an immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize swift rebound and improved tactility or a pronounced tactile bump and a balanced typing experience.
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