KTT Grapefruit vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often guides the choice between different styles and sensations. The KTT Grapefruit presents a refined typing experience characterized by its soft and light feel, making it a wonderful option for those who prefer smoother keystrokes without heavy resistance. This switch also delivers a low-pitched, polished sound profile that can enhance the quiet ambiance of a workspace. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches showcase a unique blend of elasticity and bounce, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that feels both creamy and lively. With a signature poppy and clacky sound, these switches stand out for users who enjoy an engaging auditory experience. While the Grapefruit is perfect for minimalist typists seeking a gentle touch, the BCP appeals to those who relish a spirited connection with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh BCP switches, the most striking difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate not only enhances sound resonance but also highlights the visual aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Kailh BCP is equipped with a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which result in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference means that while the Grapefruit may provide an exhilarating and bright typing experience, the BCP caters to those who appreciate a rounded and softer auditory feedback during use.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This commonality brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when typing. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users will experience more substantial sound absorption and less resonance in the Grapefruit and BCP alike. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will deliver similar experiences in terms of sound dampening and overall feel at the bottom of a keystroke. The nylon bottom housing effectively minimizes any jangling or overtones, allowing for a more satisfying typing experience overall.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials create a distinct identity for each switch while sharing commonalities that inform their auditory experiences. The KTT Grapefruit, with its polycarbonate top, aims for brightness and clarity, making it an appealing choice for users who relish a sharper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP offers a softer, deeper response through its nylon top housing, better suited for enthusiasts who prefer a more muted, rounded auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches leverage their bottom housing's nylon material to provide consistent sound dampening, ensuring that regardless of the top's character, users can expect a satisfying bottom-out feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the BCP switch features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it firmly in the medium-heavy range. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely favor the Grapefruit, as it requires less force to engage. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the BCP due to its heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Grapefruit being lighter and the BCP being heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Grapefruit features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the BCP has a shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grapefruit provides a deeper, more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers looking for swift action. Ultimately, if you're seeking a balance between depth and speed, the Grapefruit’s 4 mm travel may be more suitable, while the BCP's 3.5 mm travel is ideal for those prioritizing rapid response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
The KTT Grapefruit switch produces a sound characterized by its low-pitched, baritone tone, lending a mellow and deep acoustic experience. While it doesn't reach the full bass depth that some users may enjoy, its tonal quality tends to be more subdued compared to higher-pitched alternatives. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch offers a much sharper and more pronounced auditory experience, featuring a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The clacky nature of the BCP switches makes them quite vibrant, in stark contrast to the softer tones of the Grapefruit switches. Ultimately, the sound experience will also vary based on the keyboard build and keycap selection, so personal preference plays a significant role in the overall auditory feedback.
When considering the feel, the Grapefruit switch is noted for its polished and refined nature, giving it a smooth and luxurious typing experience. Users will appreciate the reduced friction and seamless key travel that these switches offer, allowing for effortless typing across long sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch stands out with its bouncy, elastic sensation that provides lively tactile feedback. This spring-like feel can make typing feel more engaging, as the keys rebound playfully when pressed. Furthermore, the creamy texture of the BCP switches contributes a buttery smoothness to the experience, allowing for a pleasant gliding motion as fingers dance across the keys. Each switch provides its own unique tactile sensation, catering to different typing preferences.
In summary, while both the KTT Grapefruit and Kailh BCP linear switches offer their own distinctive sound and feel traits, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Grapefruit showcases a softer, low-pitched sound and polished feel, ideal for users seeking a more understated experience. In contrast, the BCP switches bring a lively and clacky auditory signature paired with a bouncy, creamy feel, making for a much more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you favor a smoother, mellower output or a more tactile and vibrant interaction with your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between KTT Grapefruit linear switches and Kailh BCP linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-light force with a soft, polished feel and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit switches would be the ideal choice for you. They offer an effortless typing experience, characterized by a smooth action that is perfect for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile and engaging experience with a heavier bottom-out force, the Kailh BCP switches would suit you better. Their bouncy and creamy feel, combined with a clacky sound, makes them excellent for a robust typing experience, especially if you appreciate a more responsive and auditory touch as you type. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether you value a lighter, smoother experience or a more dynamic, tactile engagement.
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