TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and KTT Grapefruit offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, allowing typists to focus on their tasks without any distractions. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that offers a soft and light typing feel with a distinctive deep sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer understated tactile experiences, the Grapefruit is ideal for users looking for a unique typing experience with a deep sound profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Grapefruit feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Grapefruit also has a nylon bottom housing, providing a rounder and duller sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
The differences in housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and the Grapefruit can be seen in the effects they have on the overall sound profile of the switches. While both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, whereas the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and duller sound. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Grapefruit ultimately offer a similar typing experience. The usage of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a resonant and clear sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a fuller sound profile, with the material's ability to absorb sound leading to a more satisfying typing experience. These similarities demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can affect the sound and feel of a switch, with each material bringing its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force, while the KTT Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while both switches offer a similar actuation force, typists who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the KTT Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and bottom out sensation.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who are sensitive to these differences, the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Grapefruit switch. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro for faster reactions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Grapefruit switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. The KTT Grapefruit linear switch, on the other hand, features a low-pitched sound profile as well, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and user preferences, although the Gold Brown Pro may lean towards a slightly deeper tone. Ultimately, whether you prefer a thocky depth or a more mellow sound, both switches offer pleasant auditory feedback for your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and silky typing experience, delivering smooth key travel and reduced friction. The switch also provides a mild and subtle tactile feedback, ensuring a gentle typing experience that can be appreciated by most users. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing feel comparable to the Gold Brown Pro. While additional feel descriptors for the Grapefruit switch are unknown, the shared characteristic of being polished suggests that both switches offer a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle tactile bump and a thocky sound profile, creating a typing experience that is understated and immersive. Meanwhile, the Grapefruit switch stands out with a smooth and refined feel, coupled with a low-pitched sound profile that offers a mellow tone. Depending on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a smoother feel, either switch can cater to your preferences, delivering a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can offer similar results depending on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. It allows for an immersive typing experience without being too distracting. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth linear switch with a soft sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be more suitable. It offers a unique typing feel that is both polished and sleek. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear experience in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
