KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch, is renowned for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With its lengthened 22mm spring, it offers a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a seamless transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is often likened to the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Yanyu also boasts a linear switch design and is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or individuals who spend extensive periods of time typing. The Yanyu's material blend lends it a crisp sound profile. While these general characteristics can provide some guidance, it's important to delve further into the nuances of each switch to make an informed choice tailored to your specific preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Yanyu provides a pleasingly bright tone.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu makes use of the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this blend contributes to a unique sound profile for the Yanyu, which is described as pleasant but not particularly sharp. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Yanyu offer a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the qualities of nylon.

While the top and bottom housings differ between the Cabbage Tofu and the Yanyu, their respective impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch can be noted. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Alternatively, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the specific materials in each housing differ, the overall functioning and resulting sound of the switches will exhibit similarities due to the effects of both the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that a relatively light touch is needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown, so we cannot directly compare it to the Cabbage Tofu. However, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which suggests a lighter overall typing experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu's bottom out force of 53 grams.

Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them ideal for office work or extended gaming sessions. These individuals may find the Yanyu switch appealing due to its lighter bottom out force. However, some typists prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the sensation of a stronger push while typing. For these individuals, the Cabbage Tofu switch with its higher bottom out force may be more suitable.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unavailable, the Cabbage Tofu switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Cabbage Tofu. Therefore, if a lighter typing experience is preferred, the Yanyu switch may be the better option, while those seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it determines the amount of distance and pressure required to activate a key. In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches share a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, users can expect comparable results when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This means that the typing experience and tactile feedback of the Cabbage Tofu and the Yanyu switches will be uniform, granting a consistent feel across both options. Whether using the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, users can expect a 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. This produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a sharp and snappy sound when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is characterized as thocky. This means that when the Yanyu switch is pressed and released, it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a sharper and brighter sound while the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a deeper and more gratifying sound experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. Typing on these switches provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. The polished finish and reduced friction result in sleek key travel and an overall refined feel. Additionally, the longer spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch enhances responsiveness and adds to the vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a milder and feathery typing experience. Its gentle characteristics make it approachable to most users, with reduced finger fatigue and strain due to its light actuation force. The Yanyu switch also maintains a subtle resistance and a polished finish for smooth and comfortable typing. Overall, the KTT Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, and snappy feel, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a milder, feathery, and subtle typing experience.

Considering all the available information, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch stands out for its sharp and snappy sound profile, as well as its creamy, polished, and snappy typing feel. It provides swift rebound after actuation, enhancing the transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a thocky sound profile and a milder, feathery, and subtle typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a more delicate and comfortable typing feel. Although they have distinct characteristics, both switches excel in their own ways. If you are seeking a switch with a specific sound or feel, either the Cabbage Tofu or Yanyu switch will cater to your preferences. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice. With its lengthened 22mm spring, you can expect a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which may be appealing if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound profile. Furthermore, the creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel of the Cabbage Tofu switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience and ensures super responsiveness.

On the other hand, if you are in search of a light switch with a more delicate typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a suitable option. With its bottom out force of 43 grams, this switch is perfect for extended typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. Moreover, the Yanyu switch has a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Yanyu switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced strain on your fingers.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. Consider the level of force, sound profile, and feel that aligns with your typing style to select the switch that will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more