KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

The world of mechanical keyboards is filled with a plethora of options, and among them are two standout switches: the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The KTT Grapefruit is best known for its unique qualities, offering a soft and light typing experience with a sound profile that can be described as "baritone" but not yet "bass" deep. Categorized as "Low-pitched", "Neutral", and "Polished", these switches provide a distinct sensation for those seeking a particular tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are admired for their beauty and smooth operation, boasting a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. With a higher-pitched clack, these switches offer a satisfying feedback while maintaining a polished and silky typing experience. Both switches have their merits, and choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.41 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Ink Box Pink have different materials used for their top housing. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, without being overly sharp. This clacky and satisfying thin sound profile adds a unique touch to the typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches differ in the material used. The Grapefruit incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. This blend provides a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as seen in the top housing. The clacky and thin sound is consistent throughout the switch, contributing to a cohesive sound experience.

It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit adds to the deeper and fuller sound experienced upon pressing down. Similarly, Gateron's INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Box Pink contributes to the clacky and thin sound when typing. When releasing a key, it is the top housing that impacts the sound. The stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing in the Grapefruit creates a sharp and crisp sound, while Gateron's INK blend top housing maintains the pointed and high-pitched profile found throughout the switch. Overall, even though the two switches have different materials for their housings, they both provide distinct and satisfying sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, both switches have a similar medium-light actuation force, but differ in their bottom out force. The KTT Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a lighter typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing feel.

For those who prefer a lighter touch, enabling them to type for longer periods without fatigue, the KTT Grapefruit would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and more effortless typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.

However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced feedback while typing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the better option. With a slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch delivers a more substantial and tactile typing experience that can enhance precision and accuracy during intense typing sessions.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter touch for extended comfort or a more substantial feel for enhanced tactile feedback, both the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying travel distance, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be advantageous in fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, for those who prefer a deeper tactile experience, the 4 mm travel distance of the Grapefruit switch offers a more gratifying sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch provides a soft and light type feel, with a "baritone" though not yet "bass" deep sound profile. This means that the Grapefruit switch offers a mellow and bass-heavy tone, which can be pleasing to those who prefer a deeper sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a higher-pitched clack when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Grapefruit switch would be a better choice. However, if you lean towards a sharper and snappier sound, the Ink Box Pink switch would be more suitable. It is important to note that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, both the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Grapefruit switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. This suggests that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a sleek typing experience and reduced friction, resulting in a smooth and comfortable feel while typing.

In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch provides a soft and light type feel with a deep sound profile that leans towards a mellow and bass-heavy tone. The Ink Box Pink switch, on the other hand, offers a higher-pitched clack and a lighter typing feel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with reduced friction, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the deeper sound and light type feel of the Grapefruit switch or the sharper sound and smoother typing experience of the Ink Box Pink switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prefer a softer and lighter typing feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile, the Grapefruit switch would be a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. The Grapefruit switch is also described as having a polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter feel, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink switch is a good option. It has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. The Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel, and polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If you value a softer and lighter feel with a "baritone" sound, the Grapefruit switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink switch is a great choice. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more