KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Tomcat stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its heightened tactility and quick responsiveness, thanks to its extended 22mm spring that delivers a swift rebound after actuation, making it an excellent choice for typists who thrive on rapid keystrokes. Additionally, its unique sound profile is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, creating a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch features Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize fluid key presses over tactile feedback. While both switches cater to linear aficionados, the Cabbage Tofu offers a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, while the Tomcat focuses on a seamless and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Bsun Tomcat share a remarkable similarity in their top housing construction, as both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality influences the auditory experience of each switch, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this clear and resonant audio quality that typists often seek. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent qualities of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. This feature enhances not only the look of the keyboard but also integrates the visual design with the auditory characteristics, facilitating a well-rounded user experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu and the Tomcat is crafted from nylon, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This combination of materials creates a unique interaction where the sound characteristics of the switches are neatly split. While the nylon bottom housing focuses on providing a satisfying bottom-out feel, the polycarbonate top shifts the attention to the sound produced while releasing the key.
The overall balance of sound profiles in both the Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Tomcat allows users to enjoy a seamless typing experience. Despite the switches featuring the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the differing auditory results stem from the interaction of these materials under pressure. Users can expect a consistent tactile feel, thanks to the nylon bottoms, alongside the bright, clean sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops. This convergence ensures that one can achieve a similar desirable auditory experience, although the nuanced differences—primarily the balance between the deeper tones from nylon and the sharper sounds from polycarbonate—can cater to personal preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Bsun Tomcat linear switches exhibit comparable actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience a similar tactile response when typing or gaming, leading to a comfortable experience for prolonged use. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the KTT Cabbage Tofu having a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Bsun Tomcat measures at 54 grams. As a result, while both switches offer a medium-light resistance, the Tomcat provides a marginally firmer feel upon bottoming out. Overall, both switches are lightweight, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, but the Bsun Tomcat offers a subtle difference in bottom out force, catering to those who may prefer a slightly heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's clear that the Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm, which is shorter. This difference means that users of the Cabbage Tofu switch will experience a deeper keystroke, providing a more substantial feel that some may find satisfying, particularly those who prefer a traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat switch caters to users who prioritize quick response times, a characteristic particularly valued by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preferences: if you favor a more responsive and abrupt interaction, the Tomcat switch is the way to go; however, if you appreciate the hearty depth of a longer keystroke, the Cabbage Tofu may be more to your liking.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches produce a distinct clacky profile that mimics the sharp and percussive sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. This high-pitched and crisp auditory experience is designed to appeal to those who prefer a brighter, more resonant typing sound. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat switches is noted to be resonant, specific details regarding its exact tonal qualities remain unspecified. It's essential to remember that the acoustics of any switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard board and keycaps used, so users looking for particular sound characteristics may need to experiment with different setups for the best results.
Regarding feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches excel in offering a typing experience that is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This combination provides a smooth, buttery sensation that minimizes resistance, allowing typists to glide effortlessly from key to key while still enjoying a responsive touch. The extended 22mm spring enhances this experience by facilitating a quick rebound after each actuation. Conversely, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat switches, while praised for its smooth typing experience due to the Ly stems, lacks detailed descriptors in this context, making it difficult to accurately assess its tactile feedback in comparison to the Cabbage Tofu.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches stand out for their unique sound and feel characteristics, favoring a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience enhanced by responsive actuation. Meanwhile, while the Bsun Tomcat switches are appreciated for their smoothness, further information is needed to evaluate their sound and tactile qualities fully. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences; both offer potential for a satisfying typing experience, but the Cabbage Tofu provides clearer insights into its subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value in a keyboard experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a more tactile and responsive feel, the Cabbage Tofu might be your go-to option. Its longer spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, making it adept for fast typing and gaming, while the crisp, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with a polished finish, the Tomcat switches may be more suited to your needs. Their design focuses on that effortless glide, making them ideal for long typing sessions without tiring out your fingers. The resonant sound profile can also offer a unique auditory feedback while you type. In the end, choose the Cabbage Tofu for a lively and snappy tactile experience, or the Tomcat for a silky, effortless feel; both are solid choices depending on how you intend to use your keyboard.
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