KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Red. The KTT Grapefruit is best known for its unique characteristics, offering a soft and light typing feel with a distinct baritone sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are ideal for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without the accompanying noise. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, these switches are perfect for office or shared living spaces. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished, they also offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Red switches share the same polycarbonate top housing. This material provides several benefits to the switches, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, both the Grapefruit and Silent Red switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
While the top housings are the same, the bottom housings of the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Red differ. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can enhance the typing experience for individuals who prefer a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing as well, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two components. The impact of the bottom housing is mainly felt and heard when bottoming out a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Red switches, their overall sound profiles and typing experiences will likely be comparable due to the influence of both housings on different aspects of the typing process.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, one will find some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar responsiveness and typing experience when using either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit has a lighter touch, requiring 53 grams of force, whereas the TTC Silent Red is slightly heavier, requiring 63.5 grams of force. This means that the Grapefruit switch allows for a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, suitable for longer periods of use or gaming sessions, while the Silent Red switch provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their distances. The Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the TTC Silent Red switch may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the KTT Grapefruit with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired feel when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch is best known for its soft and light feel, providing a unique typing experience. It offers a "baritone" sound profile that is not quite bass-heavy but still deep and satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed for a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. It has a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch also provides a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.
When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Red switches offer a polished typing experience. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek and frictionless key travel. This enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing a smooth key press. The TTC Silent Red switch is also described as "buttery," implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Silent Red switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that would be approachable to most users. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience with their smooth and polished feel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Red switches have their own unique qualities. The Grapefruit switch offers a soft and light feel with a baritone sound profile, while the Silent Red switch focuses on delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile. Both switches provide a polished and smooth feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. If you're looking for similar results, both switches offer an approachable typing experience suitable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a switch that provides a soft and light typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a unique "baritone" sound profile that is low-pitched and mellow, perfect for creating a deep sound while typing. Additionally, the Grapefruit switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience, especially in an office or shared living space, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Reds provide a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. Like the Grapefruit, the Silent Red switches are also polished, ensuring a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
In summary, both the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Red switches have their own unique strengths. The Grapefruit excels in providing a soft and light typing experience with a deep, low-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Red prioritizes a seamless and quiet typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Consider your preferences for sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
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