KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Wine Red. These switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With its lengthened 22mm spring, typists can expect a swift rebound after actuation, facilitating a seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu emits a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, characterized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Wine Red, also a linear switch, provides a pillowy light type feel and a deeply satisfying sound profile. Described as bassy and low-pitched, typing on the Wine Red switches feels akin to a luxurious experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Wine Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing of a switch. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these switches.
While the top housings of both switches are the same, their bottom housings differ. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. As with the top housing, the stiffness of polycarbonate plays a role in creating a more resonant sound.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu will provide a slightly softer and more cushioned experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red will deliver a firmer and snappier sensation. Conversely, the sound produced when letting go of a key is influenced by the top housing. Both switches, with their polycarbonate top housing, will offer a similar sound experience upon key release, characterized by its sharpness and clarity.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the KTT Wine Red play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. While they both share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and crisp sound, their differing bottom housings, nylon and polycarbonate respectively, impart distinct qualities to the switches. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on the desired sound characteristics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find that there are slight differences between the two. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams. These differences are relatively minor, placing both switches in the medium-light category.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Wine Red, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force is ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who desire a more substantial typing experience, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Cabbage Tofu may be more suitable. This added resistance provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying keystroke for those seeking a substantial typing experience.
However, it is important to note that despite the subtle differences in actuation and bottom out forces, the overall typing experience with both switches will be quite similar. Whether opting for the Cabbage Tofu or the Wine Red, users can expect a medium-light switch that strikes a good balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks to achieve.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed down. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming with either switch.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This gives it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling bass tones. While the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a sharp and snappy sound, the Wine Red switch delivers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch offers a range of subjective qualities. It is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. This creaminess can be achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Cabbage Tofu switch is also known for its polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it offers a silky typing sensation, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, the switch is recognized for its snappy responsiveness, which makes the typing experience feel more alive, possibly owing to the use of longer or dual-staged springs. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Wine Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. In contrast, the Wine Red switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, but there is no information available on its feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose between a sharper, more percussive sound with a buttery smooth feel or a deeper, richer sound profile. However, it's important to remember that individual preferences, as well as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall experience. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when deciding between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp and bright. In terms of feel, this switch offers a creamy, polished, silky typing experience, making it feel like you are effortlessly gliding across the keys with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
However, if you prefer a switch with a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switch would be a great option. While there is no specific description of its feel, the Wine Red switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and KTT Wine Red switches depends on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Consider your desired key feel and sound profile to select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.