Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch. The Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. They fall into categories such as 'stepped', 'high-pitched', 'accented', 'sharp', 'resonant' and 'polished'. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches have a unique selling point with their soft and light type feel, accompanied by a slightly deeper sound profile. They fall into categories such as 'low-pitched', 'neutral' and 'polished'. Choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dig deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Grapefruit differ in their housing materials, which has an impact on the sound profile they produce. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile without being too crisp or dull. In contrast, the Grapefruit has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound, the Bamboo Green with its PBT top housing would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Grapefruit with its polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green and the Grapefruit also differ in this aspect. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, providing a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Grapefruit features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing would be more preferable. However, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound, the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing would be a better choice.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, depending on your preference for the sound during actuation or release, you can choose between the Bamboo Green and the Grapefruit based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it becomes evident that there are some notable differences between the two. The Bamboo Green tactile switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Grapefruit linear switch requires slightly more at 45 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch has a lighter touch when it comes to triggering keystrokes.
However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green switch requires a higher force of 62 grams compared to the Grapefruit switch's 53 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push required to fully press the keys.
In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green switch can be considered heavier than the Grapefruit switch due to its higher bottom out force. This can be advantageous to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience or need a switch that can withstand more forceful typing. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, may be preferred by those who desire a lighter typing feel for prolonged typing sessions or gaming.
Although the actuation forces and bottom out forces of these switches may differ, it is worth noting that they both fall within the medium range. Thus, regardless of the specific differences, both switches can provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out, offering a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, we can see that both switches 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 level of key travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Bamboo Green or the Grapefruit, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant profile. Typing on these switches produces a clacky sound signature that is sharp and crisp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Bamboo Green being more high-pitched and resonant, while the Grapefruit is low-pitched and neutral.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch provides several qualities. These switches are described as stepped, meaning they have two stages in their tactile feedback. This gives a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They are also accented switches, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Their sharp tactile bump is strong and crisp, making each keypress distinct. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch only has the quality of being polished. This means that it also offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. While the Bamboo Green offers a more textured and accented tactile feel, the Grapefruit switch's feel is purely smooth and polished.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a stepped and accented tactile feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a purely polished and smooth feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with a more textured tactile feel, the Bamboo Green is the better choice. If you prefer a smoother and mellow sound with a purely polished feel, the Grapefruit is a suitable option. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches and KTT Grapefruit linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
If you enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, then the Bamboo Green switches are the way to go. These switches provide a medium-bottom out force of 62 grams, giving you a satisfying typing experience. They are also described as accented and stepped, offering a prominent but not overwhelming amount of tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light typing feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile, the Grapefruit switches are a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these linear switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. They are also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the sound profile, the Bamboo Green switches produce a high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. So, if you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound, the Bamboo Green switches are for you, whereas if you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Grapefruit switches are the better option.
In the end, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between Everglide Bamboo Green and KTT Grapefruit switches boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing style.
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