KTT Grapefruit vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Grapefruit and the SP-Star Meteor White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different yet appealing qualities. The Grapefruit switches are known for their unique soft and light type feel, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. They also produce a "baritone" sound profile, adding a touch of depth to the typing sound. On the other hand, the Meteor White switches are described as subdued, offering an easy-to-push feel and a gentle pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches have a soft type feel and a polished finish. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ significantly. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and somewhat duller sound profile. Therefore, the choice between these two housing materials ultimately depends on the desired sound and aesthetic preferences of the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and the Meteor White switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound absorption capabilities. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile, creating a similar experience regardless of the switch model chosen. The tactile feel and sound when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing material, offering a consistent typing experience. Therefore, whether opting for the Grapefruit or the Meteor White, users can expect a satisfying and tactile bottom-out feel.
In summary, the main difference between the KTT Grapefruit and the SP-Star Meteor White lies in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White yields a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent tactile feel when pressing down on the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches and their respective housing materials depends on individual preferences for sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Grapefruit requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, so it is not possible to make a direct comparison. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Grapefruit has a measurement of 53 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Meteor White's 57 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used in work environments or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a heavier push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, opting for switches with heavier forces is recommended.
In terms of actuation force, the grapefruit and Meteor White may provide similar results if the Meteor White's force is comparable to the Grapefruit's 45 grams. However, since this information is not available, it is difficult to make a definitive comparison. Nevertheless, in regards to the bottom out force, the Grapefruit is lighter, requiring 53 grams of force compared to the Meteor White's 57 grams.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Meteor White remains unknown, the KTT Grapefruit provides a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes it a suitable choice for those looking for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent and uniform keystroke experience. Whether you prefer the KTT Grapefruit or the SP-Star Meteor White, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 switches offer a unique experience with a "baritone" deep sound profile. These low-pitched switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switches have a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. While the exact sound description is unknown, it is considered neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. Both switches offer a soft sound overall, providing a pleasant auditory experience. It is important to note that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound produced, so keep this in mind when selecting your setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are described as having a soft and light type feel. Although the exact description of their feel is unknown, they are known to provide a smooth and refined typing experience due to being polished. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor White switches offer a mild typing experience, which means it is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild quality makes the switches approachable to most users, providing a safe and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, like the Grapefruit switches, the Meteor White switches are also described as polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer soft and gentle qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the exact sound descriptions may differ, both switches have a neutral sound profile suitable for various needs and skill levels. The Grapefruit switches have a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, while the Meteor White switches offer a pitter-patter sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a polished experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. With either choice, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with a soft touch. Keep in mind that keyboard and keycap selection can also impact these qualities, so it is essential to consider these factors as well.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a soft and light type feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a sleek typing experience due to their polished finish and reduced friction. In terms of sound, the Grapefruit has a low-pitched tone and a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is easy to push and offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches provide a soft and neutral typing experience. The Meteor White switches also have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. Additionally, they produce a thocky sound when pressed, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and the SP-Star Meteor White depends on your personal preferences for type feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
