KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Speed Silver. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but with distinct characteristics. The Grapefruit switches are renowned for their tarty linear feel, providing a soft and light touch. With a low-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches are ideal for those seeking a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, making each keypress effortless and quick. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. As a result, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetic if RGB lighting is a consideration.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Grapefruit and Speed Silver use nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches exhibit these characteristics, the differentiation between the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each housing material brings. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key.
Overall, the Grapefruit and Speed Silver have similar sound profiles due to their use of polycarbonate top housings. However, the differences arise in their bottom housings, with the Grapefruit featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Speed Silver also utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a rounder sound. Despite these variations, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key activation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Speed Silver's bottom out force of 55 grams. While this difference may seem minimal, it could be noticeable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Some individuals may enjoy the lighter bottom out force of the Grapefruit switch, as it allows for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions, perfect for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a heavier and more robust push feel may lean towards the Speed Silver switch, as it provides a slightly stronger bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, ensuring similar results in terms of key triggering, while providing slight variations in the bottom out force to cater to individual preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shallower than the Grapefruit. This difference may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the feel and response of the switch. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver as it allows for faster response times. In contrast, those who prefer a more hearty and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Grapefruit with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Grapefruit switches are known for their "baritone" sound profile which is characterized by a not-yet-bass deep tone. This low-pitched sound provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches have a more neutral sound profile. Their sound is described as moderate, which means it has a balanced and versatile tone suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so individual results may vary. However, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for most users.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are known for their soft and light type feel. This indicates that these switches offer a smooth and gentle typing experience, making them a good choice for those who prefer a softer touch. They are described as polished switches, which means they have a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild feel. This means they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Like the Grapefruit switches, the Speed Silver switches are also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a smooth and refined feel, making typing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Speed Silver switches offer different characteristics when it comes to sound and feel. The Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. They also provide a soft and light type feel, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches have a neutral sound profile with a balanced and versatile tone. They offer a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Based on these qualities, users can expect different subjective experiences when using these switches. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished switch for smooth typing, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light typing experience with a slightly deeper sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams and a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel. They are also described as having a low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams and a reduced travel distance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. They also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Speed Silver switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a softer and lighter typing experience with a deeper sound, or a faster and more precise typing experience with a polished feel.
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