TTC Brother vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Brother switch is celebrated for its lightweight design, providing a breezy actuation of just 37g for a tactile experience that is both satisfying and precise. With a distinct crunchy sound signature, this switch is ideal for clicky switch enthusiasts who enjoy a clear and crisp keystroke. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch stands out for its soft and light feel, offering a unique "baritone" sound profile that adds a touch of sophistication to your typing. While the Brother switch is characterized by its crunchy and easy-to-press nature, the Grapefruit switch is described as low-pitched and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and KTT Grapefruit, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that intend to incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities between the top housings of the Brother and Grapefruit suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from either switch.
However, a notable difference lies in the bottom housing material used for the Brother and Grapefruit switches. The Brother features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. Conversely, the Grapefruit also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing a commitment to a more subdued and rounded sound profile that differs from the top housing's sharpness and clarity.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact within a switch, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material contribute to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distinction emphasizes the importance of both housing materials working together to create a cohesive typing experience that balances sharpness and depth in sound.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is evident that the Brother is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams, compared to the Grapefruit's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brother's force is unknown while the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it on the medium-light side. This means that despite the Brother requiring less force to actuate, the Grapefruit will provide a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Brother switch, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may find the Grapefruit switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play crucial roles in determining the typing experience provided by each switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is evident that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Grapefruit's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences, with the shorter distance of the Brother offering quicker feedback, and the longer distance of the Grapefruit providing a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful and crunchy experience akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch provides a low-pitched, mellow tone that leans more towards a bass-heavy sound profile, giving it a unique auditory character. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, users can expect satisfying acoustics from either option, depending on their preference for a crisp click or a deeper, smoother tone.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped design that offers a mild tactile feedback, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch boasts a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel that reduces friction and enhances the overall typing sensation. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Brother focusing on light actuation and tactile feedback, while the Grapefruit emphasizes smoothness and refinement in keypresses.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother excels in providing a crunchy click sound and easy-to-press key feel with a tactile bump, the Grapefruit delivers a low-pitched, polished sound profile and refined key travel experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice, ensuring that they will achieve similar levels of quality and performance, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you value a light and clicky typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and crunchy sound, the Brother switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and polished finish for a smooth typing experience, the Grapefruit switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall keyboard experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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