KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often grapple with options that cater to both their typing style and auditory preferences. The KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, featuring a lengthened 22mm spring that offers a swift rebound after actuation. This design results in a satisfying, clacky sound profile that many typists find reminiscent of the gentle collision of Mahjong tiles, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents a heavier variant of the classic Xinhai, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustics profile alongside a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, the Cabbage Tofu is favored for its lively feedback and tactile responsiveness. Both switches offer distinct advantages, but to truly determine which is the best fit for your typing needs and preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, a significant difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material is particularly advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it is translucent and allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound waves rather than reflect them, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches are designed to offer unique auditory feedback, the choice of material significantly influences the tonal characteristics produced during keypresses.

In terms of bottom housing, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the difference in the top housing materials, both switches will possess a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to the acoustic properties of nylon. The bottom housing significantly contributes to the overall feel when bottoming out, absorbing more sound and producing a more muted sound signature. Therefore, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu presents a contrast in its top housing, the use of the same nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory experience down the line, emphasizing the deep and rounded qualities both switches provide upon actuation.

Ultimately, the variations in housing materials define the acoustic profiles and tactile experiences of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The differences in the top housing—polycarbonate versus nylon—create distinct auditory experiences that appeal to different user preferences; the Cabbage Tofu leans towards those who favor clarity and resonance, while the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to those who prefer warmth and depth in sound. However, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sensation when fully engaging the switches, ensuring that both models maintain a complementary interaction across their respective designs.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cabbage Tofu features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which can support prolonged typing sessions and reduce finger fatigue for users who prefer a gentler touch. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it firmly in the medium range and appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback during typing. As a result, users who favor a lighter switch like the Cabbage Tofu may find it more comfortable for extended use, while those who appreciate heft in their keystrokes might lean towards the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). Overall, the Cabbage Tofu is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference suggests that the Cabbage Tofu may provide a more traditional feeling, offering a more pronounced depth during key presses, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt than a shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 3.4 mm travel, caters to a preference for quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who prioritize speed and precision over tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for key feel: those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial travel will likely prefer the Cabbage Tofu, while those who favor a snappier actuation will find the Xinhai (Heavy) to be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches produce a distinctly clacky and high-pitched tone that is sharp and percussive, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This sound profile provides a crisp and lively feedback that can be quite satisfying to typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches are noted for their softer acoustics, owing to the unique PA12 top housing, which suggests a more subtle sound profile, though specific descriptors were not provided for this switch. While the Cabbage Tofu offers a more vibrant and ringing sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) likely appeals to those who prefer quieter, more refined keystrokes, making it a choice that depends heavily on personal sound preferences.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Cabbage Tofu shines with a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a smooth key travel that minimizes resistance. The combination of these attributes makes for a typing sensation that is fluid and responsive, enhanced by the longer 22mm spring that creates a quick rebound after actuation and contributes to a snappy feel. In contrast, no specific descriptions are available for the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), leaving an uncertain comparison within this aspect. However, the perception of a switch’s tactile smoothness and responsiveness can significantly affect overall typing comfort, meaning users may find varying results based on material and design.

In conclusion, for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience complemented by a smooth and responsive feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch stands out as a remarkable choice. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a more subdued sound and an undisclosed feel, appealing to typists who might prefer a quieter, yet equally sophisticated typing profile. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role, so experimenting with both switches can yield an excellent understanding of which qualities resonate best with your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a more tactile, responsive feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be your best bet. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it allows for quick keystrokes, ideal for typists or gamers who benefit from rapid response times and a clacky, high-pitched acoustic profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides more resistance, the Xinhai (Heavy) may suit you better. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a more stable typing experience while maintaining crispness in each keystroke. Its unique construction lends to a softer sound profile, making it a great option for professional settings where a less intrusive noise level is desired. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you most value a lightweight, speedy feel or a more pronounced tactile response with added weight.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more