KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Jammy, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Grapefruit is best known for its tart linear switches that provide a soft and light typing experience, coupled with a baritone sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy stands out for its medium-weight switches housed in softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own appeal, with the Grapefruit being characterized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, and the Jammy categorized as smooth, responsive, and pleasant. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Jammy both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit's top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both housings have their own unique sound qualities, they provide a different typing experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and the Jammy utilize nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound for both switches. The impact of the bottom housing is especially felt during bottom-out sounds and feel when pressing down on the switch. Despite the differences in their top housings, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Jammy offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound experience, while the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom housing, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound profile. Whether a user prefers a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy has a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium category in terms of overall force, but the Jammy offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Grapefruit. So, for those who enjoy a lighter touch, the Grapefruit would be the ideal choice, while the Jammy would be better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with Grapefruit being slightly longer than Jammy. Gamers might prefer the Jammy for its slightly shorter travel distance, providing faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper keypress might opt for the Grapefruit. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, but the slight variation between the two might cater to different preferences in typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The HMX Jammy switch's feel characteristics are unknown, but based on the information provided, it seems that the Grapefruit offers a more premium and sophisticated typing experience in terms of feel.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jammy linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Grapefruit excels in providing a polished and refined feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Jammy remains a mystery in terms of its subjective qualities. If you enjoy the characteristics of the Grapefruit, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound, but it's always important to consider the overall typing experience in the context of your specific setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a softer and lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a typing experience that is deeply satisfying, muted, and features a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch with its glittery nylon housings may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you.
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