Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different switch types, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response and an audible click that many typists crave for both the enjoyment and the assurance of key activations. These switches are ideal for those who prefer a more interactive and engaging typing sensation, making them a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switches present a softer, linear feel, offering a smooth keystroke without the clicky feedback. With their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, they provide a more subdued typing experience while still retaining a polished feel that many users find appealing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between these two great switches depends on personal preference: whether you seek the tactile delight of a clicky switch or the smooth serenity of a linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Grapefruit switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate, due to its stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to softer plastic options. This shared material contributes to a similar auditory experience, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a clear and resonant sound. In addition, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, enhancing the visual aesthetics of both switches when backlighting is used.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Grapefruit are made from nylon, presenting a disparity in the overall sound and feel during typing. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which help absorb sound and result in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. When actuated, both switches will deliver a more muted yet rounded sound profile due to the nylon material in their bottom housings. This characteristic emphasizes how the combination of hard and soft materials creates a balanced sound experience, where the top housing contributes high frequencies and clarity, while the bottom housing deepens and enriches the overall sound.
When these two switches are compared, it becomes clear that their similarities lie in the top housing, which provides a crisp sound due to polycarbonate, while the differences are encapsulated in the bottom housing's material. While the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Grapefruit use different housings, the overall sound profile remains consistent between them due to the shared materials in each section. Users can expect a dynamic auditory interaction whether using one switch or the other, with the detailing of the bottom-out sound influenced by the nylon and the release sound dictated by the polycarbonate top. Ultimately, this thoughtful design allows for a harmonious blend of clarity and warmth in the user interaction of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a uniform typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Grapefruit comes in a bit heavier at 53 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Grapefruit provides a slightly firmer feel when bottoming out. As a result, users who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely favor the Box White V2, suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the KTT Grapefruit, with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch offers a more substantial feel during typing and is better suited for those who prefer a deeper travel experience. On the other hand, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more tactile feel. Overall, if you value deeper feedback in your keystrokes, the Grapefruit would be the better choice, while those favoring responsiveness might lean towards the Kailh Box White V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 is distinctive for its pronounced, crisp click sound that is easily recognized, making it highly satisfying for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. This clicky profile not only enhances the tactile response but also provides a joyful feedback loop during typing. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switches offer a deeper, low-pitched sound that leans towards a mellow tone rather than the sharpness of clicky switches. This neutral sound profile allows it to blend into various environments, making it suitable for both home and professional settings. However, both sound profiles are influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, which might slightly alter the listening experience.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 is designed to deliver a sharp tactile feedback that is quite characteristic of clicky switches, giving the user a confident typing experience with each keystroke. While the Box White V2 is known for its tactile assertiveness, the KTT Grapefruit delivers a polished and smooth typing experience that is often favored for its effortless key travel. The smoothness of the Grapefruit switch results from its refined finish and potentially factory lubing, which minimizes friction and enhances the overall feel. Thus, while the Box White V2 provides tactile engagement, the Grapefruit focuses on a sleek and fluid interaction.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Grapefruit switches bring unique qualities to the table that cater to different preferences. If you appreciate a strong auditory and tactile engagement, the Box White V2 is likely your best option. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Grapefruit switches are the way to go. Despite their differences in sound and feel, each has its charm, allowing users to select their preferred typing experience based on individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Grapefruit switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with clear auditory feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the precision of a light actuation force for faster typing. This switch’s pronounced click sound is great if you want to engage with your keyboard audibly, making it ideal for those who love to type with confidence and enjoy a more interactive feedback loop. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined feel while typing, the KTT Grapefruit offers a polished linear experience that allows for effortless key presses with a deeper, mellower sound profile. This makes it preferable for those who seek a quiet environment, whether at work or home, and who enjoy a smooth travel without the distraction of clicks. Ultimately, choosing the right switch should align with your typing style, sound preference, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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