KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out with its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists will appreciate the swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. What sets the Cabbage Tofu apart is its unique sound profile, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', this switch certainly offers a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch takes a more subdued approach with a gentle linear feel. Easy to push with a pitter-patter sound profile, this switch provides a soft typing experience. Classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Meteor White switch offers a more understated sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in terms of the top housing. The Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu provides a more vibrant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound through its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Meteor White employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being relatively softer, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a similar dull and round sound when pressing down on the keys. Thus, in terms of the bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu and the Meteor White provide similar results with their nylon construction.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Cabbage Tofu might offer a sharper and crisper sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Meteor White's nylon top housing might deliver a more muted and rounded sound. Overall, the choice between these two housing materials depends on the specific sound profile and typing experience that the user desires.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Starting with the actuation force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact number for the Meteor White is unavailable. However, it can be assumed that the actuation force of the Meteor White is similar to that of the Cabbage Tofu, as both switches fall under the category of medium-light switches.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Meteor White is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out force compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience might benefit from either of these switches, as both fall into the medium-light category. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Meteor White might be more ideal. Overall, both switches offer a similar level of actuation force, while the Meteor White provides a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
Travel distance
The KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, both switches will provide similar results. Both switches offer a consistent and responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. Though they may have different design features or characteristics, their travel distance remains the same, resulting in a comparable typing experience.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the collision of Mahjong tiles. This sound profile can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile. These switches have a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes. However, the Meteor White switches are also described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, like a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery, providing a gliding sensation as fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. The silky switch further enhances the smoothness of typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The longer 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch also contributes to its snappy feel, making the typing experience more lively. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle and approachable feel, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Like the Cabbage Tofu switch, the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cabbage Tofu switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Meteor White switch has a more neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, while the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Based on this information, individuals can choose the switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, as well as a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch would be a great choice for you. The lengthened 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu provides a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, making it feel smooth and buttery with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound profile and a gentle, pitter-patter sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a good fit. The Meteor White switch has a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. Overall, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize improved tactility and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile (Cabbage Tofu), or a more subdued sound profile and a gentle typing experience (Meteor White).
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