KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Light Cloud V2 are both excellent options to consider. The KTT Grapefruit is praised for its tarty linear feel and unique "baritone" sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a soft and light typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is known for its silent and refined feel, perfect for users who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched and polished typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 provides a mild and easy-to-press feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and TTC Light Cloud V2 both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their ability to absorb sound. This means that when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in top housing materials results in a distinct sound experience for each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the KTT Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting to create a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency but instead focuses on creating a deeper sound profile. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit enhances the visual appeal of the switch, the nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 prioritizes sound quality over aesthetics. This contrast in material choice demonstrates a trade-off between visual and auditory features in switch design.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Light Cloud V2 hinges on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics. The Grapefruit's mix of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings respectively offers a balance between sharp, clear sound and softer, fuller tones. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2's consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings delivers a consistently deep and rich sound profile. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on the specific qualities of their housing materials, catering to users who prioritize either sound quality or visual appeal in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience at the initial key press. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is 53 grams, which is lighter compared to the Light Cloud V2 at 58 grams, making it slightly easier to press all the way down on the Grapefruit switch. The Grapefruit can be seen as more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue, while the Light Cloud V2 offers a slightly heavier press for those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a comparable actuation force but differ in their bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Light Cloud V2 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Grapefruit's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, making them suitable choices for different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch produces a muted and neutral sound, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches cater to a wide range of users, with the Grapefruit emphasizing a deeper tone and the Light Cloud V2 focusing on a softer and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to its sleek finish and reduced friction. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch provides a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing feel. This makes it approachable to most users, as it offers a gentle resistance and low-impact typing experience ideal for extended typing sessions. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Grapefruit leaning towards a polished finish and the Light Cloud V2 prioritizing ease of use.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Grapefruit emphasizes a deep and neutral sound profile along with a polished feel, the Light Cloud V2 prioritizes a muted sound and an easy-to-press, feathery typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for a refined and nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a deeper sound with a polished feel or a quieter sound with an easy-to-press sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a softer and more delicate typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined and silent typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Happy typing!
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