Huano Elf vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options stand out: the Huano Elf and the KTT Grapefruit, both linear switches that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. The Huano Elf is particularly celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to produce a satisfying deep sound signature while offering a medium-light feel for comfortable and efficient typing. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switches are characterized by their soft and light touch, delivering a pleasant typing experience with a unique "baritone" sound profile, although it’s not quite bass-heavy. These variances offer users a choice; the Elf may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced acoustic feedback, while the Grapefruit attracts users who prefer a lightweight typing sensation and a more neutral sound. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
The Huano Elf and KTT Grapefruit switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf is constructed with POK, or polyketone, a material noted for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction at 0.04, contributing to smooth keystrokes and a clacky sound. In contrast, the Grapefruit features polycarbonate in its top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. This hardness in polycarbonate results in a more resonant sound profile, particularly advantageous for setups involving RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. While both switches aim for a satisfying tactile experience, the Elf's use of POK creates a combination of smoothness and durability while the Grapefruit's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and KTT Grapefruit utilize nylon, which is heralded for its ability to absorb sound and generate a fuller, deeper tone. This shared material ensures that both switches can elicit a similar auditory experience when typing, as nylon's softer composition allows for dampened sound waves, creating a more rounded sound profile. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly in properties—POK providing smoothness and polycarbonate offering sharpness—the bottom halves align in their use of nylon, allowing for a consistent sonic character in terms of sound dampening and depth, across both switch types.
In practice, the interaction between the top and bottom housings influences overall performance when typing. The POK from the Elf's top housing will deliver a smooth experience as the key is pressed down, while its bottom housing of nylon contributes to the deeper tones when bottoming out. Conversely, the polycarbonate top of the Grapefruit will produce a clearer sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom ensures that the foundational tone remains similarly deep and resonant. By combining different materials in innovative ways, both the Huano Elf and KTT Grapefruit offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, showcasing how material selection can have a profound impact on switch acoustics and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Elf requiring 42 grams to actuate compared to the Grapefruit's 45 grams. This makes the Huano Elf slightly lighter, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience during extended periods, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Grapefruit's actuation force is heavier, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force of the Huano Elf is not available, while the Grapefruit has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer bottoming experience for users. Conversely, since the Elf's bottom out force cannot be determined, it remains unclear how its overall feel during key presses would compare in that regard. Ultimately, if users seek a lighter switch with a potentially less defined bottom out feel, the Elf would be suitable, while the Grapefruit offers a more weighted touch, ideal for those who appreciate resistance in their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit measures 4 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter option, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Grapefruit’s longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel that some users might appreciate for its hearty depth. Therefore, players who prioritize speed and responsiveness might opt for the Elf, while those seeking a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Grapefruit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, which provides a rich auditory experience when typing. This deeper tone results in a satisfying feedback that resonates well during use. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch delivers a low-pitched sound that leans toward a mellow, baritone quality. While both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, the Elf is likely to present a more pronounced depth compared to the Grapefruit's softer tones. It’s important to note that the perceived sound of each switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so users may experience variations in acoustics depending on their specific setups.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Huano Elf is known for its medium-light actuation force, which can provide a balanced and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as having a soft and light typing feel, which suggests it may require less effort to press down. Additionally, the Grapefruit is characterized as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that ensures minimal friction during key travel. This can result in an effortless and slick typing experience. While the Elf offers a satisfying feeling, those who prefer a lighter touch might find the Grapefruit to be more aligned with their preferences.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and KTT Grapefruit switches provide enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, albeit in different ways. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel cater to those who appreciate a more resonant typing sensation, while the Grapefruit's low-pitched sound and polished, soft touch may appeal to users seeking a smoother, easier experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, with each offering their unique strengths to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound profile and typing experience. If you value a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Elf switch is an appealing option, particularly if you're drawn to unique acoustics for a satisfying typing experience. It's an excellent choice for long typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a mellow, rich sound that enhances your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more polished and refined feel with a soft, light type, the KTT Grapefruit switch would be your best bet. With its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch not only delivers a smooth typing experience but also accommodates a wide range of users, making it versatile for both home and work environments. Therefore, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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