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KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Miaowu

An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches designed for a smooth typing experience. The Grapefruit is praised for its soft and light feel, as well as its unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Miaowu boasts enhanced stem stability and a bouncy, clacky keystroke action thanks to its POK stem material. While the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched, neutral, and polished typing experience, the Miaowu provides a more lively and tactile feel. 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

43g

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

3.50 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

Polycarbonate

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 KTT Miaowu are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. The aesthetic appeal of the translucent polycarbonate adds a visually striking element to the switches, further enhancing their overall appeal.

On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of both the Grapefruit and Miaowu switches provides a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Typing on switches with Nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique tactile experience for users. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing allows for a balance in the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.

Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Miaowu differ between the top and bottom housings, they both provide a distinct typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, enhanced by its stiffness and translucency for RGB lighting, while the Nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer and more absorbent properties. By carefully selecting and combining these housing materials, KTT has created switches that cater to a variety of preferences and typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Miaowu's 43 grams. However, the Grapefruit also has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Miaowu has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Miaowu the lighter option overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Miaowu more suitable for extended use, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Grapefruit provides a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel, which some may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Miaowu. The Grapefruit's 4.0 mm travel distance falls in the more traditional range, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Miaowu's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, with the Grapefruit offering a bit more depth while the Miaowu provides a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.

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 comparing the sound of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, the Grapefruit switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for most settings. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired, with the Grapefruit offering a deeper and more neutral sound, while the Miaowu provides a more energetic and clacky auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is recognized for its polished sensation, featuring a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. The decision between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences, with the Grapefruit offering a polished and refined typing experience, while the Miaowu provides a more bouncy and rebounding feel.

Overall, when considering all the available information, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a polished feel, the Miaowu switch delivers a clacky sound and bouncy sensation. Choosing between these switches will be a matter of personal preference, with the Grapefruit providing a softer and smoother typing experience, while the Miaowu offers a more energetic and springy feel. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and users can expect similar reliable results with either choice.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press, the Grapefruit with its 53-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Grapefruit may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press and a clacky sound when typing, the Miaowu with its 50-gram bottom out force and POK stem may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.

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