KTT Grapefruit vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Grapefruit and the Gazzew LT. The Grapefruit switches are known for their soft and light feel, accompanied by a pleasant "baritone" sound profile. Categorized as "low-pitched," "neutral," and "polished," these switches offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant "thockiness" sound. Described as "bassy," "thocky," and "low-pitched," these switches provide a smooth glide with every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Gazzew LT, it is evident that they bring different characteristics to the switches. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial if RGB lighting will be used. In contrast, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer material contributes to a more mellow and full-bodied sound when typing on the LT switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences become clearer. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Grapefruit switches. Similarly, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This indicates that both switches provide similar sound profiles when it comes to the bottom housing, with the softness of the material contributing to a more pleasing typing experience.
It is worth noting that although the top and bottom housings may differ in each switch, they both play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing significantly influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific materials may differ, both the Grapefruit and the LT aim to enhance the typing experience through the nuances brought by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The Grapefruit exhibits a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the LT's actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is 53 grams, which falls under the medium-light category. In comparison, the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight preferences, individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the Grapefruit switch. This lightweight attribute allows for extended typing periods, making it suitable for professional settings or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust and substantial typing feel might gravitate towards a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the LT's higher bottom out force would meet their requirements.
If one desires a similar result to the Grapefruit's actuation force, but with a heavier bottom out force, the LT switch could be a viable option. Although the actuation force of the LT switch is unknown, it may offer a comparable weight to the Grapefruit. However, it should be noted that the LT switch has a significantly heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who appreciate a stronger push when typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Grapefruit has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the LT a more favorable option for them. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Grapefruit more satisfying. Both options offer different experiences, catering to individual preferences in terms of responsiveness and perception of depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50.
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 sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound is described as being "baritone" but not quite reaching a deep bass level. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a deeper and richer sound experience. With its "thocky" characteristic, it produces a satisfying deep and rich sound when pressed, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, which means that they offer a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound of the switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its soft and light typing experience. This switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing feel. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the polished finish contribute to a sleek typing experience. In contrast, there is no specific description available for the Gazzew LT switch in terms of feel. Therefore, we cannot offer a direct comparison between the two switches in this aspect.
To summarize, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile and polished feel, offering a soft and light typing experience with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is praised for its lilac color and provides a deep and resonant "thocky" sound during key presses. Without a specific description of the feel of the LT switch, we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, based on the available information, both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, though the LT switch may provide a deeper and richer sound. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch provides a polished feel, while the feel of the LT switch remains unknown. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile and a polished feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you desire a deeper and richer sound experience and a switch with a lilac color, the Gazzew LT switch may be more appealing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the KTT Grapefruit and Gazzew LT linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a soft and light typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, along with a "baritone" sound profile, the Grapefruit switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various uses and environments. Additionally, their polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, resonant "thocky" sound with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gazzew LT switches would be a perfect fit. These switches offer an enticing lilac hue and a seamless glide with each keystroke. However, information regarding their feel is currently unavailable.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience. Whether you prioritize a light and neutral feel with the Grapefruit switches or a deep and thocky sound with the LT switches, both options have unique attributes to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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