KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly both stand out as compelling options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit switches are celebrated for their soft and light feel, providing a gentle typing experience complemented by a low-pitched, neutral sound that's polished but not overly resonant—ideal for users seeking subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches deliver a deep, thocky sound signature that creates a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a super smooth typing experience, thanks in part to their excellent factory lubrication and 42g actuation force. While the Grapefruit may appeal to those who favor an understated touch, the Jelly is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly switches present intriguing contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory and tactile experiences. The KTT Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which translates into a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a distinct auditory feedback while typing. The polycarbonate’s translucency complements RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material recognized for its softer properties. This choice produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing vibrations that result in a rounder, more muted auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches serve different preferences in tactile feedback and sound, they diverge fundamentally due to their respective materials.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly share a common choice for their bottom housing: nylon. This consistent use of nylon yields a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as the material’s softer nature tends to absorb sound rather than reflecting it. This absorption of sound contributes to a more pronounced bottom-out sensation, enhancing user comfort and satisfaction during prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, the similarity in bottom housing materials provides a cohesive auditory experience across both switches, producing a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the sharper tones presented by their respective top housings.
In summary, the combination of differing top housing materials and identical bottom housings results in a nuanced balance between sound quality and tactile feedback in the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly switches. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top delivers crispness ideal for those who relish clarity, while the Jelly's nylon top emphasizes warmth and depth, catering to those who prefer a subtler auditory canvas. Together with their nylon bottoms, both switches ensure that the user experience remains cohesive, yielding full-bodied sound profiles while maintaining the distinct characteristics imparted by their unique top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, we can observe notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Jelly is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Jelly requires less force to actuate, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Grapefruit, being slightly heavier, offers a bit more resistance, which some users might favor for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Jelly is the better choice, while the KTT Grapefruit may suit those who enjoy a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Grapefruit measures 4 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Grapefruit offers a more traditional, deeper feel which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and perceived depth. Conversely, the Jelly’s 3.8 mm travel distance caters more to those who favor quicker response times and less abrupt actuation, making it suitable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Jelly would be the better choice, while the Grapefruit would be ideal for those who appreciate a heartier key travel. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Grapefruit is clearly the longer switch at 4 mm, and the Jelly is the shorter option at 3.8 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly linear switches, the Grapefruit is characterized by a low-pitched, baritone sound. It strikes a balance between mellow and pronounced, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. The Jelly, on the other hand, is renowned for its deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience that resonates more prominently. Both switches fall on opposite ends of the sonic spectrum, with the Grapefruit offering a smoother, subtler tone, while the Jelly presents a more robust sound. It's also important to note that sound perception can be influenced by the keyboard's build and the material of the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch excels with its polished, soft, and lightweight characteristics. The switch provides a refined typing experience thanks to its smoothness, which is enhanced by excellent factory lubrication. This results in reduced friction for a seamless key travel experience. Comparatively, the HMX Jelly's feel is noted for its super smooth action and lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it easy to type on for extended periods without fatigue. Although the Jelly's specific feel qualities are less elaborately described, both switches promise a light and enjoyable experience, albeit with the Grapefruit leaning more towards a luxurious, polished finish.
In conclusion, while the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Jelly linear switches both offer lightweight and smooth typing experiences, they stand apart in their sound qualities. The Grapefruit’s low-pitched, baritone timbre presents a mellow typing experience, while the Jelly’s deep thocky sound provides a more pronounced auditory feedback. If you prefer a subtle, refined sound and feel, the Grapefruit is likely the better choice, while those desiring a more resonant acoustic profile may gravitate towards the Jelly. Ultimately, your selection should align with your personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a slightly firmer spring action with a bottom-out force of 53 grams, and you appreciate a soft feel combined with a low-pitched, mellow sound, the Grapefruit switch is your best bet. It offers a balanced experience, making it suitable whether you’re typing at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, along with a smooth, thocky acoustics ideal for a satisfying sound profile, the Jelly switch will likely be more to your liking. Its lighter action can provide a quicker response and a more effortless typing experience, which may appeal to those who do a lot of fast-paced typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider both the tactile sensation and auditory experience you desire to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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