KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and TTC Yunhai both provide distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences, despite being linear switches. The Cabbage Tofu is celebrated for its improved tactility and responsiveness, employing a longer 22mm spring that allows for a swift rebound after each keystroke. This facilitates quicker transitions, making it an ideal choice for fast typists who enjoy a "clacky" yet creamy sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a unique typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, designed for those who favor a gentler, more effortless feel during typing sessions. While the Cabbage Tofu might appeal to users seeking vibrant acoustics and rapid feedback, the Yunhai will captivate those who prioritize comfort and a smooth typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and TTC Yunhai switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic's resonance contributes to a clear auditory output, making it an excellent choice for users looking for enhanced RGB visibility due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim for quality sound production, they do so with markedly different acoustic characteristics shaped by their respective materials.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Cabbage Tofu and Yunhai switches leverage nylon, providing consistency in the sound profile produced at the bottom of each key press. Nylon's properties, being softer, serve to absorb noise effectively and contribute to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience, thus creating a cohesive sound character across both switches. Both switches, as a result, will have a similar bottoming-out sound, emphasizing the deeper sound that typists often appreciate. This shared bottom housing material helps ensure that users might experience a degree of familiarity, regardless of which switch model they choose, when it comes to the tactile feel and sound of pressing each key down to its fullest extent.
In summary, the Cabbage Tofu and Yunhai differ primarily in their top housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles during key releases. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a unified acoustic experience when typing, as it influences the deeper and fuller sound character prevalent in both switches. Users seeking the clarity and sharpness provided by polycarbonate in the Cabbage Tofu will find it contrasted by the roundness of the Yunhai's nylon top. Ultimately, while the top housing contributes to a switch's brightness or warmth in sound, the consistent nylon base ensures that both switches offer a satisfying experience at the key's bottom, enhancing overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in weight. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as light. When looking at the differences, the Cabbage Tofu requires a bit more pressure to register a keystroke and to bottom out than the Yunhai, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter force of the Yunhai is beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming, as it can reduce fatigue over time. Overall, while the two switches provide a relatively similar typing experience, the KTT Cabbage Tofu is notably heavier than the TTC Yunhai.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a more pronounced keypress, which some typists may prefer for a feeling of depth and engagement. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai switch may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for a more immediate actuation when pressing the key. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Yunhai is the better option; however, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke, the Cabbage Tofu would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the hearty depth of the longer travel switch or the snappier feedback offered by the shorter travel option.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 considering the sound profiles of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and TTC Yunhai switches, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. The sound it produces can be likened to the crisp collision of Mahjong tiles, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that appeals to those who favor a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Yunhai switches is not specified, leaving an unknown quality regarding their auditory characteristics. However, sound perception can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard, board material, and keycap design, meaning both switches may deliver unique auditory experiences in different setups.
In terms of tactile feel, the Cabbage Tofu switches are celebrated for their creamy, polished, and silky sensations, promising a smooth and luxurious typing experience. The combination of its factory lubrication and materials create minimal resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly from key to key. Additionally, their snappy response adds to the thrill of typing, making each keystroke feel alive and energetic. Unfortunately, the tactile quality of the Yunhai switches remains unspecified; thus, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison. Yet, the ease of actuation is highlighted, suggesting they provide a gentle and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience characterized by its sharp sound and smooth, responsive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's sound qualities are unknown, but it promises a light-touch typing experience. While both switches cater to different typing preferences, the Cabbage Tofu's robust description provides a clearer picture of its auditory and tactile characteristics, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a crisp sound and a refined feel. For enthusiasts, placing these switches in the same keyboard setup with compatible components might yield unique typing results—they are simply best suited for different user preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a typing experience that offers a bit more tactile feedback and quicker responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu, with its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and unique sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles, is a solid choice. Its creamy, polished feel combined with a snappy response makes it ideal for typists who want to enhance their performance during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a gentler touch and an effortless keystroke with an exceptionally light actuation force of 50 grams, the TTC Yunhai is tailored for your needs. Its deep, rounded sound profile ensures a smoother acoustic experience without the sharpness of its counterpart, making it perfect for those who prioritize comfort and ease during extended typing tasks. In essence, your choice between these two switches should reflect whether you seek an engaging, lively response or a more forgiving, soothing typing experience.
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