KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is renowned for its enhanced tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after actuation. The result is a seamless transition between keystrokes, resembling the satisfying sound of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile, introduced by Wuque Studio, is designed with the office and work environment in mind. It strikes a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility while effectively reducing noise. With precision-crafted stem railings and no silicone dampeners, these switches deliver a crisp bottom-out and responsive return, creating a tranquil and tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in several ways. Firstly, the Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. While both materials provide different sound characteristics, they both offer the advantage of being suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Cabbage Tofu and the WS Silent Tactile also differ. The Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound experience. Similarly, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing that offers the same qualities. Although both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, their specific design and construction may result in slight variations in the sound produced. Nevertheless, both materials contribute to a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile exhibit distinctive characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer the benefits of their respective housing materials, such as the ability to accommodate RGB lighting and a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu may be the preferable option as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile may be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push.
It should be noted that without the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile, it is difficult to compare it directly with the Cabbage Tofu in terms of actuation force. However, based on the information available, it seems that the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Tactile is the heavier one. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose depends on individual preferences and the specific typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
The 4.0mm travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu falls into the category of a more traditional distance, offering a comfortable depth to users when pressed down. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile with its 3.5 mm travel distance provides a slightly shallower experience.
In recent times, there has been a rising trend towards shorter travel distances, especially favored by gamers who seek faster response times. For those individuals who prioritize quick responsiveness, opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance like the WS Silent Tactile may be more suitable.
However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those seeking a more substantial and gratifying key press experience, the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance would be the preferable choice.
Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one seeks during typing or gaming activities.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing these switches will produce a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a more neutral and muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference, the clacky sound of the Cabbage Tofu may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback, while the WS Silent Tactile is ideal for users who prioritize a quieter and more tranquil typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This is likely due to the application of lubricant in the factory or specific materials used, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, these switches are also described as snappy, indicating their high level of responsiveness. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a mild and invigorating typing experience. They provide a moderate to firm actuation force, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive sensation during typing. While the Cabbage Tofu focuses on smoothness and responsiveness, the WS Silent Tactile offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a medium level of tactility.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a neutral and muted sound, paired with a mild and invigorating typing feel. However, it is important to note that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the sound and feel of the switches. So, while the two switches may have distinct characteristics, it is possible to achieve similar results by carefully selecting the accompanying components to match your preferred sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a swift rebound after actuation, then the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its improved tactility and responsiveness, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that allows for quick transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu switch will provide that crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a delicate balance of tactility and noise reduction, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch would be the perfect fit for you. These switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressively silent profile. With their unique stem railings and absence of silicone dampeners, you can expect a typing experience that is both tranquil and tactile. If you prefer a switch with a neutral or muted sound profile, the WS Silent Tactile switch will provide a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These switches have a smooth and buttery feel, reducing friction and providing a sleek key travel. The longer or dual-staged springs make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an accented, invigorating, and mild typing experience. These switches provide a moderate amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating an immersive and gentle typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch depends on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics and descriptions provided to determine which switch aligns best with your desired typing experience.