KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Hibiscus offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit switches are celebrated for their soft and light feel, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that leans toward a baritone depth—ideal for those who prefer a quieter setup while still enjoying tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches stand out for their ultra-light actuation force, making them an excellent choice for users seeking a quick and effortless keypress. With a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature, these switches deliver an engaging audio experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. Each switch provides distinct advantages: the Grapefruit offers a balanced and refined typing touch, while the Hibiscus excites with its responsiveness and crisp acoustics. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Hibiscus switches both showcase unique sound profiles and resonance characteristics due to their different top housing materials. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications since its clear structure allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, celebrated for its softer, more absorbent properties. This choice leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, the top housing materials contribute distinctly to the overall acoustics of each switch, with the Grapefruit emphasizing brightness and clarity, while the Hibiscus imparts warmth and depth.
The bottom housings of both the Grapefruit and Hibiscus share a commonality, as both utilize nylon as their material. In the context of a switch's performance, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Here, both switches exhibit similar acoustic characteristics due to their identical nylon composition, which is known for sound absorption and producing a more muted auditory feedback. This similarity means that while the tops of these switches create different sound profiles, the bottoms contribute a consistent deeper, rounder sound signature due to their shared material.
In terms of overall performance and typist experience, the combination of differing top housings with the same bottom housing offers a unique opportunity to compare how these switches respond under different keystrokes. The KTT Grapefruit's sharper, crisp sound from the polycarbonate top and deeper sound from the nylon bottom create a balanced feel that caters to users who prefer clarity with some depth. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus presents a more uniform experience, where both the top and bottom housing work together to deliver a full-bodied sound profile. Users who seek a clear distinction in auditory feedback might prefer the Grapefruit, while those who appreciate deeper sound absorption may gravitate toward the Hibiscus. Overall, while there are significant contrasts in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures a consistent foundation in typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Hibiscus linear switches present a notable comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter of the two. This difference in weight can impact typing experience: the lighter Hibiscus may be more appealing for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, allowing for longer usage without fatigue. Conversely, the Grapefruit, with its slightly heavier force, could provide a more substantial feel for users who favor a stronger push. Overall, while both switches are linear, the Hibiscus offers a lighter touch compared to the Grapefruit, distinguishing their appeal based on user preference for weight in a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we find a notable difference that may influence user preference. The Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch travel distance and offers a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Hibiscus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. While the shorter travel distance of the Hibiscus may provide a more rapid actuation that gamers typically appreciate, it can also feel a bit abrupt for those who prefer the more pronounced feedback of the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user values depth and sturdiness or prioritizes rapid response and efficiency. Therefore, the Grapefruit offers the longer travel distance, while the Hibiscus is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 linear switches deliver a rich, low-pitched auditory experience that leans towards a baritone profile, making them suitable for various settings, whether at home or work. This mellow tone ensures that the typing experience is pleasant without overwhelming distractions, ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the HMX Hibiscus switches remains unknown, but their description hints at a noticeably clacky, poppy, and crispy tone. This suggests a lighter and potentially more vibrant acoustic signature compared to the Grapefruit, which could make for an engaging auditory experience, especially in a personal or gaming setup. However, it’s essential to remember that sound characteristics can vary based on the keyboard build and keycaps used with either switch.
When evaluating the tactile feel of these switches, the KTT Grapefruit stands out with its soft and light typing experience. The polished design contributes to an incredibly smooth actuation, minimizing any potential friction and enhancing overall efficiency during typing sessions. While the specific feel of the HMX Hibiscus switches hasn't been detailed, the emphasis on their ultra-light actuation suggests a similarly effortless experience, which can be particularly beneficial for users who favor rapid key presses and a comfortable typing experience. Both switches, therefore, appear to cater to users who appreciate a lighter touch and refined keystrokes, though the absence of descriptive elements for the Hibiscus means we can't make a direct comparison in this dimension.
In summary, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Hibiscus linear switches offer unique yet appealing characteristics, particularly for those inclined toward smooth and light typing experiences. The Grapefruit is defined by its low-pitched sound and polished feel, making it versatile for various environments. On the other hand, although specific traits of the Hibiscus are less documented, their ultra-light actuation and catchy sound profile suggest they could provide a different but equally engaging experience. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing atmosphere, either switch could be a great addition to a mechanical keyboard setup, leading to similar outcomes in terms of light and smooth keystrokes with distinct auditory signatures.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and softness, the KTT Grapefruit is an excellent option. Its low-pitched sound and polished feel offer a mellow typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards an ultra-light switch that delivers an incredibly smooth and refined typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus is your go-to choice. Its light actuation force allows for effortless key presses, while its clacky and crispy sound signature adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing. Ultimately, if you value a satisfying sound and a lightweight feel for gaming or extended typing sessions, the Hibiscus will serve you well. Conversely, if you appreciate a more balanced sound profile and a moderate but still light feel, the Grapefruit will enhance your overall typing experience.
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