TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Grapefruit mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their individual strengths and characteristics. The Flame Red switches are renowned for their stunning visuals, particularly their dazzling light diffuser, making them a perfect choice for anyone who prefers a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switches offer a unique experience with their soft and light type feel, accompanied by a distinctive "baritone" sound profile that is neither too high nor too low. While both switches share a neutral and polished feel, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences. However, let's dive deeper into their features to better assist you in your decision-making process.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Grapefruit differ significantly. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on Flame Red switches produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Grapefruit's translucent polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Flame Red and the Grapefruit utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar sound experience for both switches. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches create a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Flame Red and the Grapefruit differ in material and sound characteristics, both switches share a similar nylon bottom housing. The bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile that is associated with nylon. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role. The Flame Red's softer nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the Grapefruit's stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that users will experience a consistent response when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when considering the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Flame Red switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Grapefruit switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Flame Red may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if a lighter typing experience is desired, the Grapefruit switch's slightly lighter bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience, but the slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose the switch that matches their desired level of keystroke resistance.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Grapefruit linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and sensory experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. These switches are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Once again, these switches also have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them versatile for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches fall within a safe and middle-ground zone, making them suitable for most users. Additionally, the Flame Red is described as a polished switch, which indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Grapefruit switch is also a polished switch, offering the same benefits of reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Flame Red and Grapefruit switches have some similarities but also some distinct qualities. The Flame Red stands out for its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Grapefruit showcases a soft and light typing experience along with a "baritone" sound profile, although not yet as deep as a "bass" sound. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them versatile for different users and purposes. Additionally, they share the benefit of being polished switches, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, the Flame Red and Grapefruit switches each have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a visually stunning switch that is perfect for a backlit or RGB keyboard, then the TTC Flame Red is the choice for you. Not only does it offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing, but it also has a moderate sound and feel that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a soft and light typing feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit is the way to go. It has a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, making it a unique choice for keyboard enthusiasts. Overall, both switches offer polished finishes for a sleek typing experience, but the Flame Red provides a mild typing experience while the Grapefruit focuses on the lighter feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the specific qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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