KTT Grapefruit vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from. Two popular switches that offer unique experiences are the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock White Lotus. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch, known for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for typists who appreciate a delicate tactility. This switch strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus offers the added bonus of removable light columns, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects that add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive deeper into the characteristics and features of these switches to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In addition, polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly beneficial for switches that feature RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While more information is not given about this housing, it can be inferred that the modified blend adds to the switch's overall quality and perhaps alters its sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Grapefruit and the White Lotus utilize nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, allowing for enhanced sound experiences while typing. It can be assumed that the sound profiles of the two switches would be similar due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the bottom and top housings play vital roles. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, affects the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. The use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it's polycarbonate or the modified PC and UPE Blend, impacts the sound when releasing a key. Depending on the specific qualities of these materials, users can expect different sound profiles when lifting their fingers off the keys. Nevertheless, the combination of nylon and the top housing material in each switch will ultimately contribute to their individual overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can observe both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Grapefruit requires 45 grams, while the White Lotus requires just slightly more at 46 grams. Therefore, both switches have an almost equal actuation force, resulting in similar responsiveness when triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit has a slightly lighter force of 53 grams, whereas the White Lotus requires a heavier force of 56 grams. This means that the White Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience, as users will feel a stronger push when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Grapefruit's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those who enjoy a smoother and lighter typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they both feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to keep that in mind. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a low-pitched sound, both options will provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished surface reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and mild. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the White Lotus switches make them approachable to most users, as they provide a safe and middle-ground typing feel. Additionally, the White Lotus switches also have a subtle feel, with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a switch with a low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Grapefruit would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an easy-to-press, mild feel, the White Lotus would be an excellent option. However, keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. It's always recommended to try out different switches before making a final decision to ensure they meet your specific requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a soft and light feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light actuation force that is comfortable for both beginners and advanced users. The Grapefruit switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value delicate tactility and a low-impact typing feel, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the ideal option. This switch has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is slightly higher compared to the Grapefruit switch, but still falls within the medium-light range. The White Lotus switch offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This easy-to-press characteristic makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the White Lotus switch features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, creating a mesmerizing glow for your keyboard setup.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in a shared workspace. In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences, with the Grapefruit excelling in smoothness and lightness, while the White Lotus provides delicate tactility and low-impact typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal typing preferences and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard.
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