KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Macchiato both offer unique advantages for users seeking a linear switch experience. The Grapefruit stands out due to its soft and light keystroke, coupled with a distinct "baritone" sound profile that strikes a balance between subtlety and presence, making it ideal for casual typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, caters to those who desire a more silky-smooth typing feel and a brighter auditory experience, enhancing both accuracy and enjoyment during extended use. While both switches excel in their own right—one with a neutral, polished feedback and the other showcasing a vibrant soundscape—they cater to different preferences in typing style and acoustic ambiance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Macchiato offer contrasting sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer material enhances clarity and resonance, making it an optimal choice for users who prefer a distinct tonal separation. Furthermore, its translucence allows for seamless integration with RGB lighting, creating visually appealing backlighting effects. In contrast, the Macchiato features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material dampens the audio, creating a rounder sound that may appeal to users who prefer a warmer auditory experience. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver unique auditory characteristics, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate enhances brightness, whereas the Macchiato's nylon fosters warmth.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both the Grapefruit and Macchiato share the same nylon material, aligning them closely in terms of their sound and tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile in both switches, providing a consistent base that absorbs vibrations and impacts. This quality allows users to experience a more subdued and muffled bottom-out sound, which can lead to a more comfortable typing experience across both models. Consequently, while the top housings drive different auditory outputs, the shared nylon in the bottoms will ensure that users can enjoy a rich, deep sound, regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials greatly influences the overall sound and feel of each switch. The KTT Grapefruit excels with its polycarbonate top that provides an engaging auditory texture while the nylon bottom rounds out the sound profile. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato offers a more subdued experience with its nylon top but maintains that cohesive fullness with the same nylon bottom. Users looking for a brighter and sharper typing experience may lean toward the Grapefruit, whereas those preferring a softer, fuller sound might find the Macchiato more appealing. In both cases, the switches will deliver satisfying performance due to the effective pairing of materials in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable 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, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Macchiato has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, thus appealing to users who prefer a softer keystroke. This means that users who type for extended periods may find the Macchiato more comfortable due to its lighter touch. Both switches exhibit a difference in bottom out force as well, with the Grapefruit requiring a slightly more substantial push to reach the bottom compared to the Macchiato. In essence, those who appreciate a firmer feel may lean towards the Grapefruit, while users looking for a lighter typing experience will likely favor the Macchiato.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users will experience similar keystroke lengths when using either switch. This equal travel distance means that the feel and response when pressing down on the keys will be quite comparable, potentially leading to similar typing experiences for users who prefer linear switches. Since both switches measure the same in travel distance, it allows for easier transitions between keyboards featuring these switches without the need for adjustment to different keypress depths.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch features a unique sound profile characterized by its low-pitched and neutral tones. This gives it a softer, deeper audio experience that can be enjoyable, especially in quieter environments. The “baritone” quality of the Grapefruit adds a mellow ambiance to your typing, making it suitable for both professional and personal uses. While the Macchiato switch does not have detailed sound characteristics, it is designed to offer a bright sound profile, which generally implies a higher-pitched and more cheerful auditory experience. Therefore, if sound clarity and a lively typing ambience are essential to you, the Macchiato might provide a different auditory experience compared to the deeper and more subdued tones of the Grapefruit.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the KTT Grapefruit stands out due to its polished and refined nature. This smoothness translates to a pleasant typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key travel. Such features typically enhance typing speed and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the feel of the Macchiato switch is not explicitly described, leaving potential users to speculate about its tactile qualities. If you prioritize a smooth and polished experience, the Grapefruit would be a reliable choice, while the Macchiato may offer an equally smooth sensation based on its intended design.
In summary, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Macchiato linear switches offer distinct yet complementary qualities. The Grapefruit’s low-pitched, mellow sound combined with its polished feel provides an experience suited for both casual and professional settings. Meanwhile, although the Macchiato is geared towards a bright sound profile and potentially smooth typing feel, specific subjective qualities remain unaddressed. Each switch appeals to different preferences; selecting between them will rely heavily on whether you desire a deeper auditory experience or a brighter sound, as well as your expectations for tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Macchiato linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you lean towards a medium-light switch with a unique acoustic character, the KTT Grapefruit is a compelling choice. Its 53 grams of bottom-out force offers a delightful tactile sensation with a low-pitched sound profile that is both bass-heavy yet refined, making it ideal for users who appreciate a soft and rich auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Macchiato with its 50 grams of bottom-out force may be more aligned with your needs. It promises a silky smooth typing experience and a bright sound profile, catering well to those who enjoy a crisp and clear auditory response while typing. Ultimately, by reflecting on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force, you can select the switch that not only elevates your typing experience but also suits the ambiance of your workspace or gaming setup.
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