KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth, effortless glide of linear switches and the satisfying feedback offered by tactile options. The KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that ensures a swift rebound after actuation—a key benefit for those who appreciate rapid typing and quick key transitions. Its distinct sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adds a unique auditory experience to the typing process, making it not only functional but also enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is designed for users who prefer a subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics. This switch is ideal for typists seeking a sense of assurance with each keystroke without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're after a smooth, rapid linear feel or a gentle tactile response—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches and the Gateron Weightlessness, one can observe notable differences in their top housing compositions. The Cabbage Tofu uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper, clearer, and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes it especially suitable for use with RGB lighting, allowing for enhanced visual effects. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing that is softer than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the nylon’s ability to absorb sound leading to a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, despite both switches aiming to provide a unique typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu focuses on clarity and brightness, while the Weightlessness delivers warmth and depth in sound.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that they both utilize nylon as their material of choice. This shared choice results in a similar auditory and tactile experience regarding the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switches. Nylon is historically acknowledged for its ability to absorb sound—a characteristic that translates into a deeper, fuller typing experience. Both switches benefit from this same nylon composition in their bottom housing, which reinforces that shared quality, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Thus, while the Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Weightlessness can provide contrasting auditory experiences with their top housings, they converge when it comes to the bottom housings with nylon, yielding a rounder and softer feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Gateron Weightlessness demonstrates how different housing compositions can create distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate of the Cabbage Tofu's top housing and the nylon of its bottom housing create a unique sound profile that is crisp and resonant. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its soft nylon top, pairs with its identical nylon bottom to produce a deeper, more subdued sound. The interplay of these materials means that users can expect a blend of auditory characteristics in each switch. By understanding the impacts of these materials on the overall typing experience, individuals can choose switches that best match their preferences for sound and feel, whether they opt for the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Cabbage Tofu features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Weightlessness switch, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is 53 grams, providing a tangible resistance at the key's maximum travel distance, whereas the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is not available. This unknown variable means we're unable to compare bottoming out resistance directly. Overall, if one is searching for a switch that requires less effort to actuate and offers a moderate feel when bottoming out, the KTT Cabbage Tofu will likely be the better option, while the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke, though specific bottoming out characteristics remain uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference can affect the overall typing experience; the Cabbage Tofu, with its 4 mm travel, provides a more substantial feel, which might be preferred by those looking for a deeper and more tactile feedback during use. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Weightlessness may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, offering a more agile pressing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for switch depth 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 delivers a distinct clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, marked by a crisp and snappy quality that can remind typists of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sharp sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback to each keystroke, making it feel responsive and lively. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch maintains a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feel, although specific details about its sound characteristics are not elaborated upon like those of the Cabbage Tofu. Therefore, while both types of switches offer unique auditory qualities, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its pronounced sound, while the Weightlessness offers something more understated.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches excel with descriptors that include creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. These qualities collectively result in a smooth and responsive typing experience where the keys glide effortlessly under your fingers. The longer 22mm spring enhances the switch's snappiness, leading to quick rebounds after actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is noted for providing a subtle to moderate tactile feel but lacks detailed descriptions about the specific sensations it imparts during typing. This suggests that while the Cabbage Tofu offers an immersive and refined tactile experience, the Weightlessness may provide a more subdued touch feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch clearly shines with its distinctive sound and richly varied tactile qualities, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch may appeal to users looking for a more balanced experience but lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences, as those who favor quality auditory feedback may find the Cabbage Tofu to be more suitable, whereas those who prefer a more understated tactile feel may lean toward the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you gravitate towards a smooth, responsive experience with a distinctly clacky sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu is likely your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and the pronounced tactility make it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy the crisp, agile responsiveness that allows for rapid transitions between keystrokes. This makes it especially appealing if you want to immerse yourself in a lively soundscape while still enjoying a buttery-smooth typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch would be more suitable for you. Its gentle tactile response offers comfort during extended typing sessions, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a steady, nuanced feedback without overwhelming sharpness. In conclusion, your choice should reflect whether you want an engaging and responsive actuation with a pronounced sound or a subtle and refined tactile feel that enhances the enjoyment of typing.
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