KTT Grapefruit vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Light Sakura present two appealing options for users who appreciate the benefits of linear switches. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its unique combination of a soft and light feel, complemented by a low-pitched sound profile that offers a smooth typing experience without the distraction of rattling. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a gentle response while still craving some auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on silent operation and ultimate comfort, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions in quiet environments. Its ultra-light feel caters to users who prioritize fatigue reduction during extensive use, while its discreet performance ensures that you won't disturb colleagues in office settings. Both switches have their distinct advantages, with the Grapefruit offering a more pronounced tactile experience and the Light Sakura emphasizing silence and comfort. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Light Sakura share a commonality in their top housing material, which is made of polycarbonate. This choice contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity, giving both switches a brighter auditory experience. Polycarbonate's stiffness not only enhances the resonance but also allows RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. Consequently, users seeking vibrant lighting effects will experience similar aesthetic benefits from both models, while also appreciating the heightened clarity in sound produced when the keys are released. This similarity in top housing means that both switches offer comparable auditory and visual experiences.
However, a notable distinction arises when examining the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The KTT Grapefruit utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice in switch design that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura features polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, which aligns it again with the top housing's characteristics. This divergence means that while the Grapefruit emphasizes roundness and depth during key presses, the Light Sakura maintains a sharper, clearer sound profile throughout the entire keystroke, including the bottom-out sound. This difference in bottom housing material can lead to a varied typing feel and sound experience, influencing user preference based on desired acoustic properties.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each model leads to differences in the overall sound and tactile experience. The KTT Grapefruit's nylon bottom provides a cushioned feedback and a more subdued auditory signature, perfect for users who favor a softer experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing creates a more uniform and bright sound characteristic, making it suitable for those who appreciate the clarity of their keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches share the same materials in their top housings, the contrasting materials in their bottom housings lead to distinct typist experiences, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during extended use or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Grapefruit, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, the differences in weight and feel highlight how preferences for typing experiences can guide users in selecting the right switch for their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Grapefruit switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Grapefruit provides a more traditional, deeper feel with each keystroke, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance caters to users seeking quicker response times, which can be especially advantageous for gamers. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive interaction, the Light Sakura could be your go-to, while the Grapefruit is the better choice for those who value a deeper keystroke experience. Overall, the Grapefruit is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Light Sakura, at 3.6 mm, offers a shorter travel distance that may appeal to a different set of user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 switches provide a low-pitched, neutral tone that creates a rich and mellow auditory feedback. This deep sound profile makes them suitable for various environments, striking a balance that won't disturb others while still offering a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switches are designed for complete silence, making them ideal for prolonged use in shared spaces or office settings where quiet operation is essential. However, the absence of sound quality descriptions for the Light Sakura leaves some unknown aspects, but it's evident that they prioritize discretion in their sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switches shine with a polished finish, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and enhances key travel. This makes them not only pleasant to type on but also contributes to an overall user-friendly experience. The ultra-light feel of the Light Sakura switches is designed for comfort, aiming to reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. While they share a focus on comfort and ease of use, the specific tactile qualities of the Light Sakura are not elaborated upon, leaving a piece of the feel experience uncharted.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switches and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences, offering unique traits in their sound and feel. The Grapefruit emphasizes a rich, low-pitched sound and a polished, smooth typing experience, while the Light Sakura prioritizes silent operation and ultra-light tactile feel. Those seeking a balance of auditory feedback and refined typing will likely enjoy the Grapefruit, while individuals needing discreet, fatigue-reducing switches will find the Light Sakura appealing. Both provide excellent options depending on your typing environment and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, polished typing experience, the Grapefruit switch may be the better choice for you. Its deeper sound profile also adds a pleasant acoustic layer, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if your priority is comfort and quiet operation—especially in a shared or office environment—the Light Sakura switch would be more appropriate. With its ultra-light actuation force and silent nature, it provides a gentle typing experience ideal for extended use without being disruptive. Thus, assess how you plan to use your keyboard; whether you value tactile feedback and sound or prioritize silence and reduced fatigue, will guide you to the right switch for your needs.
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