KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches that offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Grapefruit switches are characterized by their soft and light type feel, accompanied by a "baritone" sound profile. With a low-pitched, neutral, and polished categorization, these switches provide a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switches showcase a bouncy type feel, supported by a 22mm long spring. Their polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing offer a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, their factory-lubed feature ensures refined and smooth key travel, minimizing friction. With a low-pitched sound profile, these switches deliver a different auditory experience compared to the Grapefruit switches. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Orange are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Grapefruit and the Orange will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to the top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on a switch with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with the polycarbonate top housing. This means that the bottom housing of the Orange will create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, just like the top housing.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Grapefruit and the Orange are the same, their bottom housing materials differ. This means that the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Both switches offer unique characteristics in their sound profiles, providing users with options to choose the type of sound they prefer.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Grapefruit is slightly lighter at 45 grams, while the Orange requires a slightly higher force of 46 grams for actuation. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. This means that for both switches, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a lighter feel, allowing you to type for longer periods without fatigue, the slight difference in actuation force might make the Grapefruit a more suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the slightly higher actuation force of the Orange might be preferable. Both switches offer the same bottom out force, ensuring a consistent level of pressure required for complete keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for the force required during actuation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Grapefruit offers a more traditional travel distance, which is 4.0 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Orange switch may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feeling when pressing down on keys may opt for the Grapefruit switch with its longer travel distance. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing or gaming experience. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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, both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Orange switches offer a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pleasant sound experience. While the Grapefruit is described as having a "baritone" but not yet "bass" deep sound profile, the Orange switch simply falls into the low-pitched category. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its soft and light type feel. It is described as a polished switch, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is likely due to materials used and/or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The 22mm long spring gives it a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the excellent factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel with minimal resistance or friction.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Orange switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Grapefruit switch provides a soft and light type feel along with a baritone sound profile, while the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. These switches are designed to cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the one that suits their typing style and preferences best. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound, the low-pitched profile of both switches ensures that you can expect a bass-heavy and mellow tone from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light typing experience with a "baritone" sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a neutral sound profile that is ideal for both beginners and advanced users, whether you are using it at home or at work. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch provides a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensuring a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. It features a 22mm long spring that generates a spring-like feedback and a slick, frictionless typing experience. With its low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is mellow and pleasant to the ears.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Orange linear switch depends on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. If you prioritize a softer and lighter typing experience with a polished feel, go for the Grapefruit switch. However, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, the Orange switch is the better option for you. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer excellent quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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