KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that provides a swift rebound after actuation. Typists will appreciate the quicker transition between keystrokes and the sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It boasts exceptional factory-lubing for an effortless, bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu and the HMX EMO both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Cabbage Tofu and the EMO provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both the Cabbage Tofu and the EMO share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing creates a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller, emphasizing a more absorbing and rounder sound. On the other hand, the EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect, providing a unique typing experience with a deeper and duller sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing sound and feel through their complementary housing materials.
Overall, the Cabbage Tofu and the HMX EMO showcase the importance of housing materials in producing distinct sound profiles. While they share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, they diverge in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. The Cabbage Tofu emphasizes a fuller and deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the EMO also capitalizes on nylon for a similar effect. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a unique typing experience that highlights the impact of both top and bottom housing on sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The Cabbage Tofu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the HMX EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, positioning it as a lighter switch. The Cabbage Tofu offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the EMO due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the EMO would be the ideal choice. In contrast, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is clear that the Cabbage Tofu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cabbage Tofu offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press compared to the shallower press of the EMO. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO for quicker response times, while those looking for a more hefty feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 EMO comes in at $3.49 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
In terms of sound, the Cabbage Tofu switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile that provides a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the HMX EMO switch is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as having a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. This suggests that the switch offers a smooth, refined finish with reduced friction, leading to a sleek and responsive typing feel. Unfortunately, details about the typing experience provided by the HMX EMO switch are not provided.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu linear switch is designed to offer a distinctive sound profile characterized by a sharp and clacky tone. Additionally, it provides a smooth and responsive typing experience due to its creamy, polished, and silky feel. On the other hand, details about the sound and feel of the HMX EMO switch are not provided, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. However, based on the descriptions provided, it is likely that the HMX EMO switch may also offer a satisfying typing experience but with a different sound and feel profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. The Cabbage Tofu with its medium-light 53g bottom out force and improved tactility is a great choice for those who appreciate a snappy rebound and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the EMO with its lighter 46g bottom out force and lively, clacky feel is an excellent option for those who prefer a feather-light typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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