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KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, typists have two excellent options to consider. The Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. Typists who enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding may find this switch appealing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, these switches offer a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

48g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POK

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Proprietary KTT blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POK

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm spring

Spring

Stainless steel 18mm spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the materials differ, both top housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the KTT blend emphasizing a more distinctive sound experience.

The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers a smooth and durable experience, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance properties. While the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu focuses on creating a specific sound profile, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes durability and smoothness, showcasing the different priorities in housing materials for switches.

Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes clarity and resonance with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes durability and smoothness with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound signatures and tactile experiences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.

Weight

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams, also making it lighter. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly more substantial feel with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In general, the actuation and bottom out forces of a switch play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, and users should consider their personal preferences when choosing between these two options.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cabbage Tofu offers a bit more depth with its 4 mm travel distance, making it a good option for those who prefer more substantial key press feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for faster reactions. Both switches offer a good range of travel distance options, with the Cabbage Tofu being on the longer side and the Vanilla Ice Cream on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press feel and responsiveness.

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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.

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

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that can be described as sharp and snappy. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches deliver distinctive sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Cabbage Tofu offering a more percussive sound akin to Mahjong tiles colliding, and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a cleaner and sharper sound reminiscent of two billiard balls colliding.

As for feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering typists a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, with the Cabbage Tofu being snappy and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a gliding sensation akin to effortlessly melting into each keystroke.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu excels in delivering a sharp and percussive sound profile with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its creamy and buttery sound and feel. Both switches offer top-tier performance in their respective areas, showcasing the innovation and attention to detail that KTT brings to the mechanical keyboard switch market. Whether you prefer a snappy and clacky experience or a smooth and creamy sensation, both the Cabbage Tofu and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a sharper and high-pitched sound profile, along with a snappy and responsive feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a buttery sensation, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in sound and feel while typing.

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