KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2, two exceptional linear switches that cater to different preferences. These switches offer distinct characteristics that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market. The KTT Grapefruit switches are renowned for their unique soft and light feel, providing a delightful typing experience. With a "baritone" yet not quite "bass" deep sound profile, they create an immersive auditory sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a community favorite, known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch delivers a satisfying tactile feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Categorized as having a low-pitched sound with a hint of bassiness and chirpiness, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a distinct auditory experience. Both switches share a polished finish, adding a touch of elegance to any keyboard. However, let's delve deeper into these switches beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about which switch suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic lends itself well to producing a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile characterized as "clacky." While both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing may provide a slightly sharper and clearer sound compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Grapefruit incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing. This blend contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. While both switches offer a unique sound profile, the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing might provide a slightly deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the distinct qualities of each housing material are divided between them. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that while the Grapefruit and Ink Black V2 may have slightly differing characteristics in their top and bottom housings, the resulting typing experience can be similar in terms of overall sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing or the clacky sound of the Ink Black V2's INK blend, both switches offer unique housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Grapefruit switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Grapefruit switch has a force of 53 grams, whereas the Ink Black V2 exerts a heavier force of 70 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Grapefruit switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would make it suitable for both work environments and extended gaming sessions where finger fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more pronounced tactile feedback and a robust typing feel might opt for the Ink Black V2. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, these switches offer a more substantial keystroke, providing a satisfying push feel during typing.
In summary, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch constitutes a lighter option in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch embodies a heavier alternative. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, but both switches offer their unique advantages.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the keyboard's tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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, both the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer a low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a deeper and more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Ink Black V2 switches also have a "bassy" characteristic, which adds richness and depth to the sound during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a unique "chirpy" quality, adding a slight squeak to the sound, setting them apart from other switches. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are described as having a soft and light type feel. They offer a polished switch experience, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of quality materials and possibly factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches provide a mild typing experience. They offer a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Grapefruit switches, the Ink Black V2 switches also offer a polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have their own unique qualities and advantages. While the Grapefruit switches offer a soft and light feel, the Ink Black V2 switches provide a mild typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, but the Ink Black V2 switches offer a deeper and richer sound, including a unique chirpy characteristic. Depending on your preference and desired typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to further tailor the sound and feel to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a softer and lighter typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Grapefruit switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch provides a polished and refined feel, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, the Ink Black V2 switch would be a better fit for you. It offers a smooth downstroke and a satisfying clack, making it a long-time community favorite. The Ink Black V2 switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's worth noting that this switch also has a unique chirpy sound, which sets it apart from others.
Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. The Grapefruit switch is known for its soft and light feel, neutral sound profile, and polished finish, while the Ink Black V2 switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, a deeper and richer sound profile, and a polished finish as well. Consider your own preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force to make an informed decision between these two switches. Happy typing!
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