KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options stand out: the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Gravel, both linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its soft and light feel, delivering a tactile experience complemented by a distinctive low-pitched sound profile that resonates with users seeking a unique auditory touch. Conversely, the HMX Gravel is designed for those who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, offering a medium-light actuation force that enhances the effortless typing experience favored by enthusiasts. While the Grapefruit provides a soft typing sensation with a polished, baritone sound, the Gravel ensures a refined smoothness that many users crave. Each switch brings its own character to the table, whether it's the Grapefruit's light touch or the Gravel's smooth glide. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Gravel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, making them similar in terms of their sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The use of polycarbonate, a rigid plastic, leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which can greatly enhance the overall auditory experience during typing. This shared material also lends itself to a translucent appearance, making both switches especially suitable for RGB lighting. Consequently, users who prioritize vibrant and dynamic lighting effects will find that both switches well accommodate their decorative preferences, ensuring that the visual appeal complements the crispness of the sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, however, the Grapefruit and Gravel diverge in their choice of materials. Both switches employ nylon for their lower housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more rounded and subdued auditory feedback. This means that while the top housing might produce bright and clear sounds, the bottom housing acts to soften the overall typing experience. As a result, the switches offer a balanced audio profile that caters to varying user preferences, with the nylon bottom enhancing comfort and reducing harshness during usage.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Gravel establishes a well-rounded sound experience. Users can expect a clear, bright sound when keypresses are released due to the polycarbonate tops, while the nylon bottoms provide a contrasting warmth and depth upon bottoming out. This interplay allows for a cohesive auditory experience that blends the advantages of both materials. In essence, regardless of the differences in sound during specific moments of key presses, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying auditory sensation due to their thoughtful design choices.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in terms of the force required to register a keystroke. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces; the Grapefruit requires 53 grams to fully depress, while the Gravel is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches provide a similar initial actuation feel, the Grapefruit offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Consequently, those who prefer a softer touch and may favor longer typing sessions without fatigue might lean towards the Gravel switch. In contrast, users seeking a more pronounced feedback from their keystrokes might opt for the Grapefruit switch, as it offers a heavier bottom out experience. Overall, the Grapefruit is the heavier switch, while the Gravel is lighter, giving users distinct tactile experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Gravel linear switches, it is clear that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Gravel measures at 3.5 mm. This difference of half a millimeter may seem small, but it can significantly impact user experience. The Grapefruit's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Gravel's shorter travel distance is likely to provide quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who value speed and efficiency. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you enjoy a more substantial feel with the Grapefruit or a snappier response with the Gravel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 KTT Grapefruit switches offer a unique baritone profile that strikes a balance between low-pitched and neutral tones. This characteristic gives them a warm and mellow auditory experience that can be pleasing in various environments, from home to office settings. The sound of the Grapefruit switches is well-suited for users who appreciate a deeper sound without heavy bass undertones, making it versatile enough for different applications. On the other hand, there is currently no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the HMX Gravel switches, which leaves the auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycap materials, so users can experiment with these parameters to achieve their desired sound regardless of the switch choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches provide a polished typing experience thanks to their light and soft characteristics. The smoothness and reduced friction contribute to an effortless key travel that many typists find enjoyable. These attributes can enhance prolonged typing sessions by minimizing fatigue and offering a satisfying tactile experience. While the HMX Gravel switches are known for their exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force, there is no detailed description of their feel, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Gravel switches are said to provide a responsive experience, suggesting that users will enjoy a comfortable typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Gravel switches aim to cater to typists looking for smoothness and a comfortable feel with a lighter touch. The Grapefruit’s unique sound profile may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper auditory experience, even though the Gravel’s sound characteristics remain unspecified. Ultimately, while both switches promise a refined typing experience, your specific choice may come down to preference for sound or more concrete measurements of feel, with the KTT Grapefruit offering established qualities and the HMX Gravel showing potential for a similarly satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Gravel linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a switch that provides a slightly heavier feel with a bit more feedback, the KTT Grapefruit is a fantastic option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams makes it versatile enough for both typing and gaming, while the deeper sound profile and polished feel may enhance your overall experience, giving your keystrokes a satisfying tactile quality. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel, with its 50 grams of bottom out force, might be more suitable for you. This switch provides a refined and responsive feel, perfect for extended typing sessions or if you prioritize speed in gaming without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation forces in your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
