KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as compelling options, each catering to unique user preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its enhanced tactility and rapid responsiveness. Its lengthened 22mm spring ensures a swift rebound after each keystroke, providing typists with a delightful experience reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, characterized by its clacky, creamy, and high-pitched sound profile. This switch’s polished and silky feel is ideal for those who value a satisfying and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm which is perfect for rapid-fire inputs. The bright, clacky sound combined with a remarkably smooth push feel makes it a top choice for those who thrive on speed and efficiency during gameplay. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different types of users; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct housings that significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Cabbage Tofu's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's inherent translucency also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, ensuring that the illumination can effectively shine through for added visual flair. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus uses a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice in the keyboard community. Nylon tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. The contrasting materials in the top housings of these switches create very different sound signatures, shaping the overall typing experience for their users.

On the bottom housing front, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon materials, reinforcing a consistent depth of sound typically associated with this classic switch housing. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon in both switches enhances the typing experience by creating a subdued and rich auditory feedback when keys are pressed down. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings helps tether the overall sound experience, with both options producing a fuller auditory impact that is characteristic of nylon. This shared element ensures that users can expect a deep and resonant sound regardless of the differences above.

In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Cabbage Tofu and nylon in the top housing of the Vintage Citrus leads to distinctly differing sound behaviors between the two switches. However, the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing in both models introduces a more profound continuity in the sound signature, balancing the overall experience. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu may provide a sharper release sound thanks to its polycarbonate top, the combined nylon layers below ensure a cohesive depth that resonates well with users. For those seeking either a crisper typing experience or a more rounded auditory tone, each switch offers a unique appeal, demonstrating how varying materials can shape the way we perceive and enjoy the art of typing.

Weight

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer a comparable typing experience, though they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Cabbage Tofu requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus demands a slightly heavier 48 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating they will produce similar tactile feedback when fully pressed down. Consequently, this means users can expect a consistent bottoming out experience regardless of the switch chosen. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Cabbage Tofu is the better option; conversely, users seeking a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches are categorized as medium-light, but the nuances in actuation force can influence user preference significantly.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a distinct difference: the Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at a shorter 3 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm is often favored by those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth when typing, making the Cabbage Tofu ideal for users who appreciate this tactile experience. On the other hand, the 3 mm travel distance of the Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking quicker response times, a feature often preferred by gamers. Thus, if you value a deeper keystroke, the Cabbage Tofu's longer travel distance may be the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus's shorter distance could be advantageous for faster, more agile typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched audio profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This crisp, bright, and percussive quality may appeal to those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback during typing or gaming. While the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is not detailed, it is designed specifically for gamers, suggesting it may also provide a more engaging sound. The sound experience can greatly depend on the board and keycaps used, so users will need to consider these factors when assessing their keyboard's overall acoustics.

When it comes to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches offer a variety of tactile sensations, ranging from creamy and polished to silky and snappy. This rich blend of characteristics suggests a smooth and responsive typing experience that allows for effortless key presses and a lively interaction with the keyboard. The use of a lengthened 22mm spring improves tactility and responsiveness, resulting in a swift rebound after actuation. In contrast, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not specified. However, given its low actuation force tailored for rapid-fire inputs, it likely provides a distinctly smooth typing experience, appealing to gamers who prioritize swift key response.

In conclusion, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch provides a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience with its clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a creamy, polished feel, the details on the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remain largely undefined in terms of both sound and feel. Gamers might find the unique characteristics of the Vintage Citrus appealing for its low actuation force, while typists may appreciate the nuanced sensory feedback from the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, users can expect lively auditory feedback and a myriad of sensations from the Cabbage Tofu, while the Vintage Citrus promises a rapid, smooth motion ideal for quick gaming inputs, suggesting that both switches serve their intended purposes well in their respective contexts.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches largely depends on the type of usage you anticipate. If you are a typist or a casual gamer who values a creamy, polished feel with swift rebound and responsiveness, then the Cabbage Tofu is a fantastic fit. Its unique tactile feedback, akin to the sound of Mahjong tiles, enhances the typing experience while still being gentle on the fingers due to its medium-light bottom out force. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking the ultimate in rapid-fire performance, the Vintage Citrus would be the way to go. With its low actuation point allowing for swift key presses, coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile, it is designed to cater specifically to your gaming needs. Both switches offer a similar bottom out force, but their characteristics in terms of sound and feel make each well-suited for different priorities. Therefore, your choice should align with whether you prioritize typing comfort and smoothness, or speed and responsiveness in your gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more