KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Crystal, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Cabbage Tofu switch, a linear switch, is best known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. With a lengthened 22mm spring, typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, enabling quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch can be described as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy, reminiscent of the satisfying collision of Mahjong tiles. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal, also a linear switch, provides a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight, resulting in a distinct typing experience. Expect a neutral sound profile when using the Crystal switches, described as chirpy, high-pitched, and polished. While these general pointers give an idea of the switches' characteristics, let's delve deeper to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Crystal, it becomes evident that they have similar polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a translucent polycarbonate top housing, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic qualities from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.
However, the differences arise when examining the bottom housings of the two switches. The Cabbage Tofu incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Cabbage Tofu, with its nylon bottom housing, will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This highlights a distinction in sound when bottoming out the key between the two switches, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in the overall sound and feel.
In summary, while both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Crystal share the usage of polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in the materials chosen for their bottom housings. The Cabbage Tofu employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a more sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Hence, the choice of housing materials influences the typing experience and sound outcome, providing users with options based on their preferences for sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, we can see that they have similar characteristics. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of initial response. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Crystal requires slightly more force to be pressed all the way down compared to the Cabbage Tofu. In terms of weight, both switches can be considered medium-light. This weight range is suitable for individuals who prefer a balance between typing comfort and a substantial push feel. Ultimately, while there is a slight difference in the bottom out force, the overall typing experience between the two switches will be quite similar.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when comparing and contrasting different keyboard options. In the case of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will experience the same distance for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Crystal linear switches.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Cabbage Tofu switch can be described as clacky and high-pitched. The sound produced by these switches can be characterized as sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the Crystal switch has a chirpy sound profile, with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. Like the Cabbage Tofu, the Crystal switch also falls under the category of high-pitched switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cabbage Tofu is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy. This means that typing on these switches will provide a smooth and buttery experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The longer 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch contributes to a snappy and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Crystal switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. While the available information does not provide additional descriptors for the Crystal switch, it suggests that it offers a similar level of smoothness and reduced friction as the Cabbage Tofu switch. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing feel, with minor differences in terms of spring rebound and potential unique materials used.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a crisp and bright sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Its feel is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal switch has a chirpy sound signature along with a high-pitched profile. While the available information does not provide specific descriptors for the Crystal's feel, it is likely to offer a similarly smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish. Overall, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with slight variations, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch or the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you value improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a swift rebound after actuation, the Cabbage Tofu switch would be a great choice for you. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu can be described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique, linear typing experience with an elastic feel, the Outemu Crystal switch would be a suitable option. Expect a neutral sound profile with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, adding a hint of uniqueness to your typing. The Crystal switch offers a polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Crystal switches comes down to your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Consider the qualities and characteristics described above to choose the switch type that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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