KTT Grapefruit vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Grapefruit is renowned for its soft and light feel, with a unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial keystroke experience, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Grapefruit is categorized as low-pitched and neutral, the Matcha Green Pro switches are bouncy, clacky, and creamy. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Both keyboards will provide similar results in terms of sound profile and visual effects due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two keyboards lies in the bottom housing material. The Grapefruit features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similarly providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the top housing material of the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the same, the difference in their bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience. Both keyboards offer a variety of sound profiles and aesthetic options due to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. However, the utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of each keyboard enhances the tactile feedback and sound characteristics in distinct ways, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, the actuation force of the Grapefruit switch is lighter at 45 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams, making the Grapefruit switch more ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit switch requires 53 grams while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch needs 63 grams, both falling within the medium range. The actuation force dictates the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the switch all the way down. For those who enjoy typing for extended periods, the lighter actuation force of the Grapefruit switch may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, providing options for users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, it can still affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may gravitate towards the KTT Grapefruit. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences depending on individual typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and agility or a more deliberate and tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a mellow and bass-heavy sound profile, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound that is sharp, bright, and clean. The Grapefruit switch has a neutral sound profile that suits various preferences and environments, whereas the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a sharp and percussive typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Grapefruit leaning towards a deeper tone and the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing a sharp and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is characterized by a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience with a sleek and refined feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery keystroke. Both switches prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing feel, with the Grapefruit focusing on refinement and reduced friction, while the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes a lively and silky typing experience.
Ultimately, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch delivers a soft and light feel with a deep, low-pitched sound profile, providing a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a solid and responsive feel with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, creating a tactile and gratifying typing sensation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the mellow depth of the Grapefruit or the sharp clarity of the Matcha Green Pro, both offering unique qualities that enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the unique characteristics of each. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle, low-pitched sound profile with a neutral feel, the Grapefruit may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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