KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Lucky both deliver unique tactile experiences despite their similarities as linear switches. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a subtle "baritone" sound profile that provides a pleasing auditory experience. This low-pitched and polished switch is ideal for users who value a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch offers a more neutral yet deeply satisfying typing sensation, thanks to its softer and glittery nylon housing. This makes the Lucky a great choice for those seeking an enjoyable, engaging feel without sacrificing sound dampening. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so whether you lean towards the KTT Grapefruit's lightness or the HMX Lucky's satisfying feedback, each switch has its merits. 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
3.80 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Lucky switches feature distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Grapefruit utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This material's stiffer nature fosters sound resonance, resulting in a clearer acoustic experience which is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is utilized, benefiting from the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted acoustic character. As a result, while both switches may offer unique auditory experiences, their top housing materials distinctly dictate the nature of those sounds: one lively and sharp, the other subdued and warm.
On the bottom housing front, both the Grapefruit and the Lucky utilize nylon, which brings forth a similar auditory element in their performance. Since Nylon is a classic switch housing material, both switches will exhibit a deeper and fuller sound quality stemming from the softer characteristics of nylon. This shared bottom housing material ensures that the tactile feel and the bottom-out sound experience are comparable across both switches. While the top housing differences create a distinctive sound profile when typing, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundational character, resulting in a more rounded and uniform acoustic performance when the key is pressed down, regardless of the switch model.
In summary, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Lucky switches present a fascinating interplay of materials that define their respective sonic signatures. The top housing material contributes directly to the sound produced upon key release, with the Grapefruit’s polycarbonate providing a sharp, resonant clarity while the Lucky’s nylon offers a softer, more muted delivery. However, both switches converge in their nylon bottom housing, ensuring that the tactile experience and depth of sound remain consistent. This blending of contrasting top materials alongside a shared bottom housing guarantees a diverse yet cohesive range of sound profiles for users, each offering a unique experience depending on their preference for sharper or rounder acoustic qualities.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various typing preferences. The Grapefruit switch requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Lucky's 37 grams, making the Lucky a lighter option. This lighter actuation force can provide a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions, whether for work or gaming. Furthermore, the Grapefruit's bottom out force is also heavier at 53 grams, whereas the Lucky's is 43 grams. The difference in bottom out forces emphasizes the Grapefruit switch's more substantial feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer feedback when typing. In summary, those who enjoy a lighter, softer touch may gravitate towards the HMX Lucky switch, while users seeking a more pronounced typing experience might opt for the KTT Grapefruit switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that the Grapefruit features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Grapefruit provides a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper keypress for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Lucky's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a more robust and hearty depth, the KTT Grapefruit would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Lucky would suit those seeking greater responsiveness due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 is characterized by a low-pitched, mellow tone that can be described as "baritone," providing a satisfying auditory experience without straying into overly deep bass territory. This tonal quality is complemented by a neutral sound profile that balances the actuation force and the auditory feedback, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, so its auditory qualities remain unknown. However, it is essential to recognize that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps, which adds a layer of complexity to sound performance.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are noted for their soft and light feel, which is polished to provide a smooth typing experience. This refined finish contributes to reduced friction and effortless key travel, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the HMX Lucky switch promises a neutral and satisfying typing experience, specific tactile qualities and descriptions about its feel are not available. Therefore, direct comparisons about the subjective feel between these switches cannot be fully made without more detailed information on the Lucky switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch stands out for its uniquely low-pitched sound and polished feel, delivering a light and satisfying experience. The HMX Lucky linear switch offers a neutral experience that could be equally enjoyable, but without elaboration on its sound and feel attributes, it’s challenging to make a thorough comparison. For newcomers venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, functionality and personal preference should guide the decision-making process, as both switches may ultimately yield a special typing experience tailored to the user's needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light feel with a deeper, bass-like sound, and if you appreciate a polished typing experience, then the KTT Grapefruit is an excellent choice. These switches cater well to users who value tactile smoothness and a slight acoustic depth, making them suitable for both gaming and typing in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch, enjoy a neutral typing experience, and appreciate a less pronounced sound profile, the HMX Lucky switch will likely serve you better. Its soft housing offers a deeply satisfying typing feel, making it ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more robust sound and feel (Grapefruit) or a lightweight and neutral experience (Lucky).
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