KTT Grapefruit vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

The KTT Grapefruit and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering smooth keystrokes and a satisfying typing experience. The Grapefruit switches are best known for their unique characteristics, providing a soft and light feel with a deep sound profile that falls somewhere between a baritone and a bass tone. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches have gained recognition for their innovation in delivering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. These switches offer a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. However, in order to decide which switch is best suited for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.41 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Grapefruit utilizes a nylon construction, while the Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, although both switches feature nylon bottom housings, they may differ slightly in sound characteristics due to other factors such as switch design and spring weight.

It is worth mentioning that the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. With the Grapefruit and the Semi-Silent Linear, the properties of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the differences in the sound profiles produced by the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing sensation, allowing users to tailor their experience based on their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Grapefruit is 45 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, ensuring a responsive keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams of force, which is slightly lighter compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. This makes the Grapefruit switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Grapefruit is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Semi-Silent Linear can provide a slightly heavier typing experience. Overall, both switches offer their unique characteristics, allowing users to find the perfect balance between actuation and bottom out forces based on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Grapefruit is more traditional and provides a deeper and more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances. Therefore, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more hearty and substantial feel when typing, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Grapefruit and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, there are distinct differences. The Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched sound profile, giving them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature. While neither switch is completely silent, the Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a quieter topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Depending on factors such as board and keycaps, the sound of the switches may vary.

In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience. Their qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as snappy and buttery, indicating a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches are considered polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation.

Overall, the KTT Grapefruit and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Grapefruit switches prioritize a soft and light feel, accompanied by a deep yet not overly bass sound profile. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switches excel in their semi-silent nature, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and smooth yet not over-polished feel. While both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, their unique characteristics make them suitable for various purposes and user preferences. It is important to consider other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps in order to achieve the desired sound and feel. Nonetheless, both switches are excellent options for newcomers seeking a quality mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light type feel with a medium-light bottom out force, and a "baritone" though not yet "bass" deep sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth type feel with a medium bottom out force, and a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the better option. In terms of sound, the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued and neutral sound profile. As for feel, the Grapefruit switch offers a polished typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more