KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages for users. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This allows typists to experience a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, when using the Cabbage Tofu switch, one can expect a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with options including clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts boast a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The bassy 'thock' sound profile of these switches, coupled with an assertive tactile feedback, ensures that every keystroke provides auditory and tactile satisfaction. The U4T switch is categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4T differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it produces a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer material contributes to a more melodic and mellow sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Gazzew U4T also uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, contributing to the same rich and deep sound profile found in its top housing. Both bottom housings offer a similar level of softness that enhances the overall sound experience.

Although the materials used for the top and bottom housings may differ in each switch, their respective qualities have significant impacts on sound. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Cabbage Tofu, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is influenced by the top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu produces a distinct sound when letting go of a key. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T's Gazzew blend top housing contributes to the sound profile during key release. While each switch may have unique housing materials, the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housings ultimately determine the sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are several key differences to consider. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the U4T's actuation force is unspecified, and it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium switch.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be the better choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter than those of the U4T. This lightweight nature allows for longer periods of typing without feeling fatigued, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions.

However, for those seeking a more substantial typing feel, the U4T would be a more suitable option. While its actuation force is unknown, its higher bottom out force of 62 grams provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. This can be especially appealing for individuals who prioritize the tactile feedback and assurance of pressing down firmly.

In summary, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, ideal for prolonged typing sessions, the U4T provides a heftier, more pronounced tactile experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key fitted with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of movement, providing consistent feedback and tactile sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience due to their matching travel distances, allowing users to easily adjust to either switch option without any significant differences in key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the sound produced is deep, rich, and satisfying, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Cabbage Tofu leaning towards a sharper and brighter sound, while the U4T provides a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a range of descriptors, including creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a smooth and buttery experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The longer 22mm spring also contributes to a snappy and responsive feel, allowing for a quick transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that each keypress provides a strong and crisp feedback that can be distinctly felt. Overall, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a smoother and more refined typing experience, while the U4T provides a more pronounced and intense tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the U4T offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, paired with a sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a sharper and brighter sound with a smoother typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu is the way to go. However, if you crave a deeper and more satisfying sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, the U4T is the better choice. It's important to consider your personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard to ensure the best experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a swift rebound after actuation, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a creamy, polished, and silky feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides auditory and tactile satisfaction, then the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the ideal choice. These switches offer a sharp feel and produce a bassy and thocky sound profile, resembling the deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for either linear switches with a smooth feel and clacky sound or tactile switches with a sharp feel and thocky sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more