KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available, each offering unique features and benefits. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Cabbage Tofu is a linear switch that stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With its lengthened 22mm spring, typists will experience a swift rebound after actuation, enabling a seamless transition between keystrokes. The sound produced by the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, offering a clacky, creamy, and high-pitched profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that combines the best of both worlds. It features a refined sound profile, with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is acoustically pleasing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their composition, resulting in differences in sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Cabbage Tofu prioritizes a clear and vibrant sound, the U4Tx focuses on a more mellow and robust audio experience.

In terms of bottom housings, the Cabbage Tofu adopts a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the U4Tx incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares characteristics with the top housing. The "boba plastic" delivers a similar rich and deep sound, emphasizing a consistent audio experience throughout the switch.

When it comes to feeling the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer and more cushioned bottom-out experience, absorbing the impact and reducing the overall sound. Conversely, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing provides a similarly gentle and comfortable bottom-out sensation. However, the top housing of both switches influences the sound produced when a key is released, with the polycarbonate of the Cabbage Tofu providing a sharp and crisp sound, while the "boba plastic" of the U4Tx offering a deep and pleasing tone upon key release.

In summary, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4Tx significantly impacts their sound profiles. While the Cabbage Tofu prioritizes sharper and crisper sounds through its polycarbonate top housing and deeper tones via its nylon bottom housing, the U4Tx aims for a rich and deep audio experience throughout the switch with its proprietary Gazzew blend housing materials. Though different in composition, both switches achieve delightful auditory outcomes, maintaining consistency and satisfaction through their respective top and bottom housing choices.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the U4Tx's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice as its force requirements are lower. This can be advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. They would likely find the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu to be more comfortable and less fatiguing.

However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, the Gazzew U4Tx would be a better fit. With its higher bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of responsiveness. This can be desirable for those who enjoy a more forceful and deliberate typing experience.

In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu and the U4Tx differ, with the Cabbage Tofu being medium-light and the U4Tx being medium-heavy. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel, there are options available to cater to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the U4Tx's travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cabbage Tofu's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a traditional depth that many typists are accustomed to, whereas the U4Tx's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the U4Tx with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may find the Cabbage Tofu's 4.0 mm travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a bassy and muted sound profile. It produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The application of lubricant at the factory and the choice of materials contribute to its silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. This switch also features longer or dual-staged springs, making it super responsive and giving a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactility. It offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. If you prefer a tactile switch with intense feedback, the U4Tx provides a luxurious typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while offering a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. The Gazzew U4Tx switch, on the other hand, provides a bassy and muted sound profile, coupled with a sharp tactile bump for high feedback intensity. These switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to find the perfect match for their typing style. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the Cabbage Tofu offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a lighter typing experience, while the U4Tx has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a bit more resistance. Secondly, the Cabbage Tofu switch excels in its tactility and responsiveness, providing a swift rebound after actuation for quicker transitions between keystrokes. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds, with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump that ensures a luxurious typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Cabbage Tofu produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a crisp and bright sound profile, while the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted sound, delivering a deeper and quieter typing experience. Lastly, in terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, while the U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for key force, tactility, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more