KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Lunar Probe are two standout options in the linear switch category. The KTT Grapefruit is praised for its unique tarty linear switches that offer a soft and light typing experience, along with a deep yet polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe boasts a dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, coupled with an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation. While the Grapefruit is known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, the Lunar Probe's sound profile remains subtle. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Lunar Probe share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Grapefruit features nylon while the Lunar Probe also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, the differing bottom housing materials of nylon in the Grapefruit and Lunar Probe serve to give each switch a unique sound profile. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers similar sound characteristics, providing users with a tactile and satisfying typing sensation. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the unique qualities that nylon brings to the table, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in switch design.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Lunar Probe plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the variation in bottom housing material between nylon for the Grapefruit and Lunar Probe leads to distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it's evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Grapefruit linear switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the Lunar Probe linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Grapefruit switch slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The Grapefruit switch provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Lunar Probe switch offers a lighter feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lunar Probe switch would be the better choice. Alternatively, those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel may find the Grapefruit switch more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force in relation to typing or gaming preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being on the longer end and the Lunar Probe on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Lunar Probe for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch is known for its unique soft and light feel, providing a baritone sound profile with a low-pitched and neutral tone. These switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a novel dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, offering an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature that is unknown at this time. While the sound profile of the Grapefruit is low-pitched and neutral, the sound signature of the Lunar Probe remains undisclosed. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to explore. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a softer feel and baritone sound profile with the Grapefruit, or the stability and smoothness of the Lunar Probe.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique "baritone" sound profile, the Grapefruit switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a stable, consistent keypress experience with a pre-lubed smooth sensation, the Lunar Probe switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Be sure to consider all aspects carefully before making your choice.
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