KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cabbage Tofu stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that facilitates a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quick transition between keystrokes. Its sound profile has been likened to Mahjong tiles colliding, giving it a distinctive touch. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience. Its light diffuser adds an aesthetic appeal to any keyboard setup, enhancing RGB illumination. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched', but the Cabbage Tofu is also described as 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', while the Lightning Silver V3 is labeled as 'Silky'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, feel, and aesthetics; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Cabbage Tofu stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, like its top counterpart, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows both switches to showcase different sound attributes depending on whether you're pressing down or letting go of a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Each switch's unique housing materials contribute to a distinct typing experience, allowing users to customize their keyboard setup to their preferences.
Weight
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, with 45 grams versus 48 grams, respectively. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 the heavier of the two switches. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may find the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cabbage Tofu. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cabbage Tofu with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how the user values the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the distance difference, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key press smoothness.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as clacky and high-pitched, offering sharp and crisp sound profiles when pressed. Whether you prefer the mahjong tile-like sound of the Cabbage Tofu or the clacky and high-pitched sound signature of the Lightning Silver V3, both switches provide an auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, allowing for smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction. Additionally, the longer 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a snappy rebound after actuation, making for a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. Whether you prefer the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the polished and snappy feel of the Cabbage Tofu, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience.
Overall, both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound profile or a creamy and polished typing feel, both switches deliver in providing an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Cabbage Tofu with 53 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer press, the Lightning Silver V3 with 60 grams could be the better choice. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. If you appreciate a clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a creamy and polished typing experience, the Cabbage Tofu may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a focus on lighting aesthetics, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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