KTT Grapefruit vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional linear switch options. The KTT Grapefruit is praised for its soft and light typing experience, accompanied by a unique sound profile that falls between "baritone" and "bass." On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Grapefruit is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Ice King Linear is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. When choosing between the two, the Grapefruit may appeal to those seeking a softer feel and unique sound, while the Ice King Linear may be preferred by those looking for an exceptionally smooth 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
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that they both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material suggests that both the Grapefruit and Ice King Linear switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when bottoming out keys.
However, where these two switches differ is in their choice of top housing material. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the clearer and more resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing materials results in a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Grapefruit offering a more distinctive and clearer sound profile compared to the rounder and fuller sound of the Ice King Linear.
Overall, the decision between the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Ice King Linear will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the choice between the sharper, crisper sound of the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing and the rounder, duller sound of the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing will determine the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a more distinctive and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force that is higher than their actuation force, with the Grapefruit requiring 53 grams and the Ice King needing 62 grams to bottom out. This makes the Ice King Linear switch the heavier option overall compared to the Grapefruit. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Grapefruit switch, while users looking for a more substantial push may prefer the Ice King Linear switch for a stronger typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Grapefruit's travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the Ice King Linear provides a shallower press for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Grapefruit being ideal for those who prefer a more substantial key press, and the Ice King Linear offering a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Linear switch offering additional features such as a frictionless travel and a creamy sensation when typing.
Based on the available information, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch each offer a unique set of characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched and polished typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and silky sensation, benefiting from its factory lube and full nylon construction. Ultimately, both switches cater to individuals seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the key differences lying in their sound profiles and specific feel attributes. Whether you choose the Grapefruit or Ice King Linear switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch may be the right choice for you. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch could be more to your liking. It provides a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Grapefruit and Ice King Linear switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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