KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Hyacinth are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, offering unique characteristics and benefits. The Grapefruit switches are best known for their soft and light type feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, these linear switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches stand out for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience by avoiding the hard bottoming-out commonly experienced with longer-stem switches. This commitment to user comfort is further enhanced by the use of a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a consistent force curve. With a subtle and silky feel, the Hyacinth switches offer a tactile feedback that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Hyacinth share similar housing materials, particularly in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan on incorporating RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Grapefruit or the Hyacinth, as both employ polycarbonate top housings.
Where the Grapefruit and the Hyacinth differ is in their bottom housings. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Hyacinth also employs a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile through the absorption of sound. Therefore, both switches offer comparable typing experiences due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Considering the split between the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are distributed differently within the switches. When pressing down on either the Grapefruit or the Hyacinth, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, offering a more substantial and robust experience. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more prominent, affecting the sound profile. In both cases, whether using the Grapefruit or the Hyacinth, the combination of the top and bottom housings provides a balanced and nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Hyacinth's bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the Grapefruit switch offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Hyacinth.
Considering the weight of the switches, there are different preferences among users. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for extended work sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from options with heavier forces, as it provides them with a satisfying and tactile feedback while typing.
In summary, while the actuation force remains the same for both switches at 45 grams, the Grapefruit linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams. This slight difference in bottom out force ensures that the Grapefruit offers a slightly lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range, the Grapefruit offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. This can make a difference in terms of the overall responsiveness and feel of the switches. Gamers, for instance, may prefer the Grapefruit's longer travel distance, as it allows for more deliberate keystrokes and potentially greater precision. On the other hand, those who value faster response times may opt for the Hyacinth with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a deep and mellow tone, with a more bass-heavy characteristic compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch also provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a polished experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a pleasant typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch provides a silky typing experience. This means that it offers exceptional smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch has a subtle resistance, which maintains a light typing feel. It is important to mention that the Grapefruit switch's feel is achieved through materials used and possible factory lubrication, while the Hyacinth switch focuses on smoothness and a consistent force curve.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch excels in providing a tarty soft and light feel, along with a deep but not yet bass sound profile. The Grapefruit switch offers a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience. It provides a silky typing experience with minimal resistance and a subtle typing feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various intents and purposes. Overall, if you prefer a softer typing feel and a deeper sound, the Grapefruit switch would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize smoothness and a subtle typing feel, the Hyacinth switch would be an excellent option. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you value a soft and light typing experience along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit switch is a great choice for you. It has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, providing a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, the Hyacinth switch is the way to go. It offers a neutral sound profile and a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch also has a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer their unique features and can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Consider what aspects are most important to you, whether it be sound, feel, or design, and choose accordingly.
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