KTT Grapefruit vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Grapefruit linear switch is renowned for its soft and light touch, accompanied by a unique "baritone" sound profile. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky typing experience. The Grapefruit switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', while the Lightning Silver V3 falls under 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, offering varying levels of feedback and sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the switch.
While both the Grapefruit and Lightning Silver V3 share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing provides a more muffled and round sound, complementing the sharpness of the top polycarbonate housing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same high-pitched and crisp sound profile found in its top housing, offering a more consistent typing experience. These differences highlight how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In summary, while the Grapefruit and Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate in their top housing for a similar sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sharp and clear sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and sound profile, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams while the Lightning Silver V3 needs 60 grams. This makes the Grapefruit a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a medium level of resistance, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a lighter touch or a slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit switch. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Grapefruit switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a brighter and more percussive typing experience. Ultimately, the sound profile of the switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a distinct tactile sensation that may cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a polished feel, or a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, both switches provide tailored options for enthusiasts. With the information provided, users can make an informed decision based on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a polished feel, the Grapefruit may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force, a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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