KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for typists. The Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. This feature contributes to a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quick and seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the Cabbage Tofu switch emits a distinctive sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, characterized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, polished, silky, and snappy. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Featuring a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches deliver a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their merits, offering unique features and sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar characteristics in terms of sound and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a precise and resonant typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, both the Cabbage Tofu and the Tourmaline Blue are excellent choices for users who prioritize a clean sound profile and want to showcase vibrant lighting effects.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be particularly pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, implying a more consistent sound profile throughout the entire typing process. This choice may lean towards a sharper and crisper sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu.
While the differences in bottom housing materials bring distinct sound qualities to the switches, it is important to note that the impact of each housing is dependent on the specific action being performed. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing are more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced. Therefore, while there may be variations between the Cabbage Tofu and the Tourmaline Blue due to their bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience is likely to be comparable, with both switches providing satisfying and distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are distinct differences. The Cabbage Tofu possesses a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu switch will provide a lighter touch when triggering keystrokes, which could be preferable for those who require longer typing periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Cabbage Tofu is 53 grams, suggesting a slightly heavier feel when pressing down completely.
On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch demands a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial pushing experience while typing. The bottom out force for the Tourmaline Blue switch is slightly higher than the Cabbage Tofu, with a weight of 67 grams. This indicates that individuals who prefer a more significant tactile feedback while typing may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch.
Both switches offer varying degrees of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can choose according to their desired typing experience. While the Cabbage Tofu emphasizes a lighter actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a medium-heavy actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, selecting one over the other would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be identical. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience and feel when using these 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile. Pressing these switches will produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It neither leans towards a rich and bassy sound nor a sharp and crisp one. It falls in the middle ground, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's 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. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. They have reduced friction and smooth key travel due to their polished finish and potential factory lubrication. Additionally, the longer 22mm spring in these switches enhances their responsiveness, giving a lively and snappy feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with minimal force required to activate them. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The qualities of these switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Cabbage Tofu is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as its creamy, polished, silky, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile along with a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for different preferences. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a smooth and buttery feel, the Cabbage Tofu would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound with an easy-to-press and mild feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you value an improved tactility and responsiveness with a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quick transitions between keystrokes, then the Cabbage Tofu switch is a great option for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, this switch will provide a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, along with a bouncy feel with each keystroke, then the Tourmaline Blue switch is the way to go. These switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blue switch also offers a neutral sound profile and provides a range of descriptors such as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild when it comes to the typing feel. Ultimately, consider your preferences for sound and feel, as well as the desired level of actuation force, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch.
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