KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu is praised for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after actuation. Typists will appreciate the quick transition between keystrokes and the sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Cabbage Tofu is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that may appeal to different users. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai are fairly similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu and the Xinhai differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Cabbage Tofu utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Xinhai also features a nylon bottom housing but with a different design.
However, despite some differences in housing materials, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing. This material creates a distinct sound that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, providing a unique typing experience for users. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder tone. Therefore, while there may be slight variations in sound between the two switches, overall, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality.
In terms of design and functionality, the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The differences in sound profiles created by the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of each switch offer users a choice between a sharper, more resonant sound (Cabbage Tofu) or a deeper, fuller sound (Xinhai). The impact of each housing material can be felt in the key press and release, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences, allowing users to customize their setup to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Xinhai provides a lighter typing experience, which can be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a more medium-light feel. Both switches offer a similar feel in terms of the actuation force to bottom out force ratio, providing users with consistent results in their typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on typing experience. Gamers, for example, may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cabbage Tofu with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch also offers a clacky sound, but with a unique blend of softer acoustics from the PA12 top housing and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem. Both switches provide a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, but the Xinhai may have a slightly softer overall acoustics profile due to its construction materials.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch is described as offering a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. This means typists can expect smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction and a refined finish, as well as a highly responsive feel due to its longer spring. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation along with the smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing feel with some differences in the feedback sensation they provide.
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Cabbage Tofu may deliver a sharper and snappier sound with a swift rebound after actuation, the Xinhai provides a blend of softer acoustics and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, while the Xinhai brings a bouncy feedback sensation along with its creamy feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a swift rebound after actuation, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. It offers improved tactility and responsiveness, with a sound profile described as clacky and high-pitched. The Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy and polished typing experience, making it feel silky and snappy.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a softer acoustics profile, the HMX Xinhai linear switch might be the better option for you. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and a POM stem, the Xinhai switch offers a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving you a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your decision between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors in relation to your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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