HMX Game1989 vs. KTT Grapefruit

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the KTT Grapefruit stand out as two intriguing options within the linear switch category, each offering a distinct typing experience. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound, providing a robust auditory feedback that many gamers and typists appreciate, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit is characterized by its light and soft feel, presenting a smoother typing experience while delivering a unique low-pitched, polished sound profile. While both switches provide a satisfying linear feel, the HMX 1989 excels for users who prefer a deeper acoustic experience, whereas the Grapefruit caters to those who seek a more subdued and airy typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.41 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX 1989 and the KTT Grapefruit both feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which contributes significantly to their overall sound profile. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience when typing. The rigidity of polycarbonate plays a crucial role in enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the visual aesthetics of the switches, making them particularly appealing for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, but also ensures that both switches deliver a similar luminous glow that can enhance the overall gaming or typing environment.

In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a notable distinction in sound character compared to the top housing. The nylon material is renowned for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This softer plastic dampens vibrations, leading to a rounder auditory experience that differs from the higher pitch delivered by the polycarbonate top. While the top housing of both switches contributes predominantly to the sound when releasing the key, the bottom nylon housing accentuates the impact and feel of bottoming out, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience that emphasizes warmth and richness.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the HMX 1989 and KTT Grapefruit results in a harmonious blend of sound profiles that can cater to varying user preferences. By harnessing the sharper resonance from polycarbonate and the warmer tones from nylon, each switch offers a distinctive typing experience. Users can expect similarly elevated feedback from both switches, with the polycarbonate enhancing the clarity and brightness of the keystrokes while the nylon grounds the experience with its fuller sound. This synergy ensures that, despite their subtle differences, both switches are designed to provide excellent auditory and tactile feedback, appealing to a broad range of typing enthusiasts.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and 53 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches, allowing them to type for extended periods without fatigue due to their medium-light feel. Since both switches share the same forces, they cater to those who favor a balanced, responsive typing experience while providing substantial feedback without being overly taxing on the fingers. Thus, whether it's for long work sessions or gaming marathons, both switches offer an appealing option for users seeking comfort and ease of use.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical feel when pressing down on the keys of switches. This consistency in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a similar typing experience, allowing for uniformity in keystrokes. Since both switches feature this 4 mm travel distance, one can expect the same feedback and responsiveness from either switch, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer linear switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, which gives it a rich auditory character that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This characteristic can create an engaging typing experience, making each keystroke feel pronounced and robust. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch emits a low-pitched sound that is baritone in nature, offering a mellow tone without delving into the deeper bass territory. While both switches are linear and thus lack the distinctive click of tactile or clicky switches, the 1989's thockiness may appeal to those seeking a more resonant sound, whereas the Grapefruit leans towards a subtler auditory experience—a choice dependent on personal preference but ultimately leading to similar enjoyment in a quiet setting.

When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 offers an experience that is often sought after by gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth key travel, although detailed descriptors of its feel are limited. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit is specifically noted for its polished feel, which refers to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction throughout the key travel. The lubrication and materials used contribute to a typing sensation that many would find agreeable, particularly during long typing sessions. While the 1989 may also provide a pleasant typing experience in its own right, the Grapefruit's polished nature sets it apart as particularly suitable for users who prioritize smoothness and ease of use.

In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and KTT Grapefruit linear switches have their unique attributes catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The 1989 is ideal for those who crave a more resonant auditory experience, while the Grapefruit stands out for its smooth, polished typing sensation. If you're leaning towards a specific quality, understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed choice, with the potential for a satisfying typing experience from either option. Ultimately, trying both switches may provide the best insight into which aligns most closely with your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a "thocky" sound profile and a deeper acoustic sensation while typing or gaming, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force ensures that your fingers won’t feel overwhelmed during extended usage, making it favorable for long gaming sessions or typing marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and smoother feel with a low-pitched sound that is both polished and refined, the KTT Grapefruit would serve you well. Its unique sound profile, characterized as mellow and baritone, adds a distinctive auditory element to your typing experience, while its smooth key travel enhances overall comfort. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the depth of sound and feel of the HMX 1989 or the polished touch and softer auditory experience of the KTT Grapefruit—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more