TTC Flaming Purple vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Grapefruit both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound profile, providing a poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory flair to typing. With a feathery touch and easy-to-press design at just 47g bottom-out force, it appeals to enthusiasts and daily typists looking for swift and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit stands out for its soft and light typing feel, accompanied by a low-pitched yet polished sound profile. While both switches offer low-pitched sounds, the Flaming Purple leans towards the bassier end, while the Grapefruit remains more neutral. 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
47g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the Grapefruit, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the enhancement of RGB lighting, making it ideal for those who want an aesthetically pleasing keyboard setup. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Flaming Purple using nylon and the Grapefruit using polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than the harder polycarbonate utilized in the Grapefruit.
The impact of using different bottom housing materials becomes apparent when typing on the Flaming Purple and the Grapefruit. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Grapefruit. This difference in housing materials affects not only the sound but also the overall typing experience, with the Flaming Purple offering a softer feel upon bottoming out keys. In contrast, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more solid and tactile typing experience.
Overall, while both the Flaming Purple and Grapefruit share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the Flaming Purple's bottom housing sets it apart from the Grapefruit. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a different sound and typing experience for each switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams. The Flaming Purple would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Grapefruit would suit those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel with the Flaming Purple being the lighter option and the Grapefruit being the heavier of the two, allowing users to choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Grapefruit switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple switch. A difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Grapefruit switch. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and slightly poppy sound profile, giving each keystroke an engaging flair. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound that leans towards a baritone depth. This difference in sound characteristics can influence the overall typing experience and personal preference, depending on whether you prefer a richer bass tone or a more mellow sound. The choice between the two switches would depend on the auditory experience you seek while typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a swift and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. This lightweight actuation force makes it a comfortable option for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The difference in feel between the two switches lies in the smoothness and ease of key presses, which can impact typing speed and comfort during extended use.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Grapefruit linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their respective features. If you enjoy a bassier and poppy sound profile paired with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and polished sound with a smooth and refined feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch would cater to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing feel with a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple with its feathery nature and resonant character could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Grapefruit switches might better suit your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you engage in your typing tasks.
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