KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Magnetic Jade provide distinct experiences, each appealing to different types of users. The KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, is celebrated for its soft, light feel and a unique "baritone" sound profile that remains approachable without becoming overwhelmingly deep. Its low-pitched, neutral, and polished characteristics make it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade leverages Hall Effect technology to deliver a bright, clacky sound, catering to those who seek both a premium typing experience and enhanced acoustic feedback. The Magnetic Jade switches stand out as a top choice for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, promising greater responsiveness and rich sound dynamics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches utilize the same housing materials: both incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top in both switches is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This results in a clear and resonant response when key presses are executed, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate defined auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially in configurations utilizing RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a material celebrated for its softer characteristics. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than its stiffer counterparts, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, when typing on either the KTT Grapefruit or Gateron Magnetic Jade, users can expect a more rounded sound that contrasts with the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top. The synergy between the top and bottom housing materials allows for distinct auditory experiences — while the polycarbonate delivers clarity on actuation, the nylon dampens the sound at bottom-out, fostering a well-rounded response.
Ultimately, despite the clear differences in sound profiles deriving from the distinct materials used in the top and bottom housings, the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer users complementary experiences. The polycarbonate top ensures a bright and resonant feedback upon key release, essential for quick, responsive typing, enhanced by RGB capabilities. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom softens the overall sound while also providing a satisfying bottom-out feel. Together, these materials allow for a harmonious blending of auditory and tactile sensations, making both switches appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch present interesting comparisons in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Grapefruit requires more force to engage a keystroke, making it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its lighter actuation force, may be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it demands less effort to register a keystroke. Ultimately, the Grapefruit is the heavier switch overall, as it has a higher actuation force, while both switches exhibit a relatively close bottom out force, allowing for similar tactile feedback when fully pressed.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch offers a more traditional and deeper engagement, which can be appealing for users who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer quick response times, making it a suitable option for gamers seeking a tactile advantage. Therefore, the Grapefruit switch is the longer option, and the Magnetic Jade switch is the shorter one. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you value depth and a more robust feel or speed and responsiveness in your key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00.
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 sound profile of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral tone. This combination results in a deep yet soft auditory experience, which is often suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its mellow sound can be contrasted with the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, which is known for its bright and clacky acoustics. The Magnetic Jade's sound is tailored for those who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback while typing, making it ideal for users who seek a more vibrant and lively experience. The difference in sound between the two is quite distinct, with the Grapefruit offering a smoother, less intrusive sound and the Magnetic Jade delivering a sharper, more engaging auditory profile.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches provide a polished experience, where the smooth and refined finish ensures a seamless typing journey. This is thanks to the materials used and possibly factory lubing, which reduces friction during key travel. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch remain unknown; thus, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the Grapefruit's light and soft typing sensation may cater to those who prefer a gentle touch, whereas the feel of the Magnetic Jade could vary greatly, depending on its design and intended mechanics.
In summary, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch present unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Grapefruit delivers a smooth, low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Magnetic Jade stands out with its bright and clacky auditory feedback, providing a lively typing experience. Each switch caters to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that users can find the ideal match for their needs based on these distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a soft and light typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched and mellow sound, the Grapefruit switch might be your best bet. Its polished feel ensures smooth key travel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you’re at home or work. You'll appreciate its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams as it strikes a balance that doesn't require too much effort while still giving you a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more pronounced auditory experience with crisp and clacky sounds, the Magnetic Jade switch is your optimal choice. With its slightly firmer bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a touch more resistance that can enhance your typing precision. This switch not only excels in acoustics but is also tailored for those looking to fully maximize their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. In summary, choose the Grapefruit for a smooth, quieter experience or opt for the Magnetic Jade for a lively auditory feedback—whichever aligns best with your typing style and preferences will make all the difference.
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