KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference between linear and tactile feedback. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness. Thanks to its elongated 22mm spring, users experience a swift rebound after each actuation, facilitating quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile it produces is distinctive, echoing the clattering of Mahjong tiles, and is characterized by clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy qualities. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a tactile switch, offers a luxurious typing experience highlighted by a profound “thock” sound upon bottoming out, combined with the serene stealth of its topping out. Its sharp tactile bump creates a satisfying feedback sensation that many typists find appealing. Each switch brings its own unique strengths to the table—while the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes speed and responsiveness through a smooth keystroke, the U4Tx RGB focuses on tactile feedback and acoustics for a more immersive typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a key distinction lies in the top housing composition. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a resonant quality that is enhanced further by the transparency of the material, making it particularly effective for switch configurations involving RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and produces a richer, deeper sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound characteristics, their fundamental differences in rigidity lead to contrasting auditory experiences.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a similarity between the two switches, as both the Cabbage Tofu and U4Tx RGB incorporate proprietary blends of soft plastics—nylon for the Cabbage Tofu and the aforementioned boba plastic for the U4Tx RGB. Nylon historically delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound better than stiffer plastics. This absorption leads to a more muted auditory experience overall, while the Gazzew plastic blend, being similarly soft, is designed to deliver depth and richness in sound as well. The choices of bottom housing materials in each switch underline a consistent approach to achieving a warm and rounded sound profile, despite the differences in top housing materials.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings is crucial in defining the overall sound and feel of each switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Cabbage Tofu creates a bright sound during keystrokes, while the softer top housing of the U4Tx RGB provides a smoother auditory output. However, both switches will exhibit a deep, resonant feel due to their comparable bottom housing materials, which absorb sound and reduce harshness. Even though the top housings differ significantly in composition and sound profile, the shared characteristics of their softer bottom housings ensure that both switches deliver a satisfying, rounded typing experience. Hence, if you favor a more pronounced top-end sound, the Cabbage Tofu would be ideal, while those seeking a deeper, warmer sound may prefer the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu features an actuation force of 45 grams, which enables a relatively light typing experience ideal for prolonged use, such as in office settings or for extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch lacks specific information regarding its actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer tactile experience that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. The Cabbage Tofu’s bottom out force of 53 grams is lighter than that of the U4Tx, resulting in a less forceful keypress overall. Therefore, users who favor a lighter switch for comfort over long periods should opt for the Cabbage Tofu, while those who enjoy a heavier, more deliberate feel may gravitate toward the U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience: the shorter travel of the U4Tx RGB may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu may provide a more robust and deliberate feel that some users prefer for typing, as it allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing style and responsiveness, with the Cabbage Tofu being the longer option and the U4Tx RGB being the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches deliver a unique auditory experience characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone. This produces a sharp and snappy sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing an engaging audio feedback that many typists appreciate. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are known for their deep "thock" upon bottoming out paired with the quieter "stealth" sound when topping out. This results in a refined sound profile that blends a rich auditory presence with a subtler exit, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted experience without sacrificing the satisfying auditory cues of tactile feedback.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches excel with their creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This smoothness is attributed to either factory lubing or the materials used, allowing for a seamless typing experience where fingers glide effortlessly over keys. The switches also feature a snappy responsiveness due to the lengthened 22mm spring, facilitating a lively and engaging typing experience. The tactile sensation is further enhanced by the switch's design, making it ideal for both typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches provide a sharp tactile bump that lends a luxurious feel when typing, although more specific descriptors of their tactile experience aren't available, leaving us without direct comparisons to the smoothness or creamy attributes found in the Cabbage Tofu.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is notable for its high-pitched clacky sound and creamy, snappy feel, while the U4Tx RGB is characterized by a refined sound profile and a tactile bump that some might find luxurious. Whichever switch you choose, understanding these subjective qualities will enhance your typing or gaming sessions, allowing you to select a switch that aligns with your auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience, along with a clacky sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, combined with improved tactility and a smooth feel, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a swift transition between keystrokes, particularly in fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a luxurious tactile feel and a deeper thock sound, the U4Tx RGB will serve you well. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a sharp tactile bump, this switch is designed for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke and quieter operation without sacrificing feedback. In the end, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and feel when deciding between these two notable switches, as both cater to different aspects of mechanical keyboard enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more