KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer unique features and characteristics to consider. The grapefruit is praised for its tarty linear switches that provide a soft and light feel, along with a distinctive baritone sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, polished, these switches offer a different typing experience compared to traditional switches. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of classic typing experiences. Enhanced with a 22mm spring and crafted from nylon, these switches deliver a softer, bassier sound signature while balancing the old and new. Categorized as neutral, polished, silky, subdued, the V2U switches offer a unique typing experience. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U are quite similar, as both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate is also ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup. Despite this similarity, the keyboards differ in their bottom housing material, with the Grapefruit utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Hyacinth V2U also incorporates nylon for a rounder and duller sound.
While both the Grapefruit and the Hyacinth V2U share the same polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit elicits a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the rounder and duller sound produced by the Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material, while the release sound will be more influenced by the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Grapefruit and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U plays a significant role in defining their sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing in both keyboards creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to either a deeper and fuller sound in the Grapefruit or a rounder and duller sound in the Hyacinth V2U. By understanding how these materials interact with each other, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions about which keyboard aligns best with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch are very similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the Grapefruit has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams, indicating that the Grapefruit may provide a slightly firmer typing experience when pressing all the way down. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Whether you choose the Grapefruit or the Hyacinth V2U, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being slightly longer than the Hyacinth V2U. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2U for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel desired during typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U for $2.91.
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 and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch also has a neutral sound profile but adds a subdued quality, producing a dampened sound for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant sound signature, with the Grapefruit leaning towards a deeper tone and the Hyacinth V2U providing a softer, bassier sound.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Grapefruit and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The Grapefruit switch offers a soft and light feel, while the Hyacinth V2U switch includes a fuller travel distance, adding a layer of bounciness to the typing sensation. Additionally, the Hyacinth V2U switch is labeled as silky, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Overall, both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched sound and a polished, light feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a fuller travel distance and a silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound depth and typing smoothness, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers entering the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the Grapefruit and the Hyacinth V2U may come down to individual preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a soft and light feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a fuller travel distance, bounciness, and a bassier sound signature, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch would be the better option. Both switches offer a polished finish for a smooth typing experience, but the Hyacinth V2U also provides a silky feel for minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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