Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches offer a harkening back to the nostalgia of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, with their sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light typing experience with a low-pitched and polished sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit switches are the ones to consider. These linear switches have a unique "baritone" sound and are categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Grapefruit switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice provides a similar outcome for both switches in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and ability to resonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that intend to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Grapefruit switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This selection influences the sound profile in a different way compared to the top housing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material choice creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Hence, both switches produce a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings of the switches may have different materials, their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch is divided. Pressing down on the switch is more influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, determining the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, although there may be differences in the top and bottom housing materials between the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Grapefruit, the overall sound and feel of the switches present similar outcomes due to the division of these qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Despite the disparity in force required, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit. The Box Navy's 3.6 mm travel distance falls within the shorter range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Grapefruit's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by individuals who desire a greater sense of depth. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preference, with the Box Navy providing a faster and snappier experience, while the Grapefruit offers a more robust and satisfying keystroke sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for providing a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel. Its sound signature is resonant and crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile, giving an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch has a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a stiff typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a soft and light typing feel. The sound profile of the Grapefruit switch is described as low-pitched and bass-heavy, although it has not yet achieved a "bass" deep sound profile. It provides a more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, creating a sleek typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switch offers a heavier and more tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound signature. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch provides a softer and lighter feel with a low-pitched and mellow sound profile.
If you are looking for a heavy and tactile experience with a high-pitched sound, the Box Navy switch is the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a low-pitched sound, the Grapefruit switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
While the two switches offer different characteristics, it is worth noting that if you choose a keyboard board and keycaps that are similar in design and material, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a perfect fit for you. These switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile that harkens back to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. Their sharp and invigorating feel provides a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and lighter typing experience, the KTT Grapefruit linear switches are an excellent choice. With a lower bottom out force, these switches offer a tarty and low-pitched sound profile that adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing. Their polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Grapefruit switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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