KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to weigh the benefits and features of each option. On one hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is praised for its soft and light touch, offering a unique "baritone" sound profile that is not too bass-heavy. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining a high level of smoothness. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, with the Grapefruit offering a low-pitched, polished feel and the Melodic delivering a buttery, resonant experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Melodic are quite similar, as both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also great for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Grapefruit uses nylon while the Melodic also utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both switches have similar polycarbonate top housings, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Melodic's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a different typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials offers a unique combination of qualities for each switch. When pressing down on the Grapefruit, the impact of the nylon bottom housing is felt in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Grapefruit and the Melodic housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Grapefruit showcasing a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate and a deeper sound with nylon. The Melodic, on the other hand, offers a consistent sound profile throughout with its polycarbonate housing on both the top and bottom. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit switch is lighter than the Melodic switch. The Grapefruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The actuation force of the Grapefruit switch provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Melodic switch offers a heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting these two switches based on travel distance, they both offer the same amount of key travel, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. This means that whether you choose the Grapefruit or the Melodic switch, you can expect to feel the same level of key travel when pressing down on the keys. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both offer a standard 4 mm of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch produces a resonant and crunchy sound, with a higher-pitched and clean profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Grapefruit focusing on a softer and deeper tone while the Melodic delivers a sharper and more tactile sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a buttery and invigorating feel, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. Both switches offer a unique typing sensation, with the Grapefruit prioritizing a sleek and refined feel, while the Melodic emphasizes a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with strong tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer different yet equally satisfying experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit provides a softer, more mellow sound along with a polished, refined feel, while the Melodic offers a sharper, more tactile sound paired with a smooth, buttery keystroke experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the diversity and innovation present in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a soft and light feel with a unique deep sound profile, opt for the Grapefruit switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Melodic switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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