KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Type L are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique features and characteristics. The Cabbage Tofu switch offers improved tactility and responsiveness with its lengthened 22mm spring, providing typists with a swift rebound after actuation for quick transitions between keystrokes. Its sound profile is described as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," focusing on revitalizing classic travel distances and molds with contemporary factory lubing practices. The Type L stands out as the lightest in its series, only requiring 45g to bottom out, and produces a sound signature that leans towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. Its sound profile is characterized as neutral, subdued, feathery, and easy-to-press. When choosing between these two switches, one might opt for the Cabbage Tofu for its enhanced tactility and snappy feel, while the Gateron Type L could be preferred for its lightness and subdued sound. However, let's dive in deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Type L, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. This similarity in material choice suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
On the other hand, the top housing material sets the two switches apart, with the Cabbage Tofu featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Type L utilizing a nylon top housing. While polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that the Cabbage Tofu will likely have a brighter and more resonant sound compared to the Gateron Type L, which will provide a richer and more muted sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound may favor the Gateron Type L with its nylon top housing. However, both switches share the benefits of using nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is evident that the Type L is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall under the light to medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The actuation force determines how easy it is to trigger a keystroke, which is lower in the Type L switch. Bottoming out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down, with the Cabbage Tofu requiring slightly more force than the Type L. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent keypress experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can rely on getting similar results in terms of the feel and feedback when typing. Overall, whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Type L, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4mm.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch produces a more neutral and subdued sound, elegantly veering towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. Depending on your preference for sound, the Cabbage Tofu will provide a sharper and crisper typing experience, while the Type L will offer a more moderate and dampened sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Type L linear switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. If you prefer a more responsive and lively typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be ideal, whereas the Type L switch offers a comfortable and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch delivers a neutral and subdued sound, paired with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a quality typing experience, ensuring that you will get satisfying results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound profile with a feathery or easy-to-press typing feel, the Type L switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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