Akko Botany vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Grapefruit offer distinct choices for users seeking a linear switch experience. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound profile, making them an attractive option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Their bright character can add an exciting element to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are recognized for their unique soft and light feel, paired with a low-pitched, deep sound profile that provides a more subdued yet polished typing experience. This switch may appeal to users who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing the smoothness of linear key presses. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them compelling options in the realm of linear switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and KTT Grapefruit switches, the differences in their top housings highlight how material choice affects sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Akko Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a less sharp and more rounded auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer and produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate's rigid structure enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory response. Thus, while both switches aim for unique typing experiences, the materials produce fundamentally different sound characteristics due to their distinct physical properties.
Interestingly, both the Akko Botany and KTT Grapefruit share a common material in their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity leads to a unified sound experience when you bottom out on both switches. The nylon bottom housing in both models absorbs sound, providing a deep, full-bodied auditory sensation that enriches the overall typing experience. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, typists will notice that both switches deliver a rounder bottom-out sound, contributing to a similar feel in that aspect of the typing experience. This integration of nylon in both bottom housings creates a comforting familiarity for users who appreciate a softer auditory feedback upon keypresses.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany and KTT Grapefruit exhibit contrasting top housing materials that produce differing sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing allows for a blend of characteristics. The Akko Botany provides a deep and rounded sound due to its nylon top, perfectly complemented by its nylon bottom, resulting in a cohesive typing experience. The KTT Grapefruit, on the other hand, contrasts this with a sharper and crisper sound from its polycarbonate top housing but still benefits from the comforting depth of sound produced by its nylon bottom. Together, these variations showcase how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can create a rich tapestry of auditory experiences, lending each switch its unique identity while displaying a common thread in their design language.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch present a notable comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. This added weight in the Grapefruit provides a more tactile and substantial typing experience, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, while both switches serve their distinct purposes based on user preference, the heavier Grapefruit switch may be less favorable for extended use compared to the lighter Botany switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there is a notable difference in their specs. The Akko Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the KTT Grapefruit, with its greater depth, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile and traditional feel when typing. Hence, individuals looking for a swift and responsive experience might opt for the Akko Botany switch, while those who favor a more substantial pressing sensation may lean towards the KTT Grapefruit switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany switches are known for their crisp and lively sound, producing a distinctly clacky noise that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy an auditory feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic makes them particularly appealing to typists and gamers who appreciate the acoustic cues that accompany their input. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switches offer a low-pitched, mellow sound profile that leans towards a baritone quality. While they provide a softer sound, it is still pleasant and less intrusive than the more pronounced clack of the Botany. The Grapefruit's sound is described as neutral, making it versatile for various environments such as home or work, though ultimately the final sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches do not have a specific description provided. However, the KTT Grapefruit switches stand out for their polished feel, which translates to a smooth and refined typing experience. This quality stems from the materials used and potentially factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. Without details on the Botany's feel, we can’t make a direct comparison, but it can be reasonable to expect that both linear switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit the Grapefruit lends itself to a slightly elevated smoothness due to its polished nature.
In summary, the Akko Botany and KTT Grapefruit switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Botany's crisp, clacky sound appeals to those who relish pronounced acoustics, while the Grapefruit's low-pitched, neutral tone suits users looking for a more subdued auditory experience. On the tactile front, the Grapefruit offers a polished feeling, enhancing smooth key travel, though specific details on the Botany's feel remain unshared. Ultimately, both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, and your choice would depend on whether you prioritize sound or the smoothness of the keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and auditory experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a lively, crisp sound profile, the Akko Botany, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, would likely be the perfect fit for you. Its clacky sound and engaging feel can make typing and gaming more enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a switch that responds quickly and feels less taxing over prolonged usage. On the other hand, if you favor a more polished typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, the KTT Grapefruit’s medium-light force of 53 grams might suit you better. These switches provide a soft, refined typing sensation coupled with a low-pitched, mellow sound, making them ideal for those seeking a balance of comfort and auditory depth in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, consider how you will be using your keyboard—whether for work or gaming—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your typing style and auditory preferences.
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