KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Mint. The Grapefruit is best known for its soft and light type feel, offering a unique sensory experience with its "baritone" sound profile. Categorized as having a low-pitched, neutral, and polished feel, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a smooth linear feel with a poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, it is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them appealing options for different individuals. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to switches with different top housing materials. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those who want to customize their keyboard's appearance. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, the Grapefruit and Mint will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Grapefruit and Mint differ in their materials. The Grapefruit incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint features the same material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Grapefruit and Mint will have contrasting sound profiles when it comes to bottom-out sounds and feels.
In summary, both the Grapefruit and Mint share the benefits of using polycarbonate as their top housing material, delivering a sharp and clear sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials set them apart. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing produces a similarly rounded sound. These differences in bottom-out sounds and feels make the two switches distinct in their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams, making them both medium-light in terms of resistance. This means that regardless of which switch is used, users can expect similar results when it comes to the force required to trigger a keystroke and when pressing down on the keys fully. This similarity is beneficial for those who prefer a consistent typing experience across different switches. However, it is worth noting that the weight of the switches is still worth considering as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals may prefer a lighter weight switch, such as the Grapefruit or Mint, as it allows for extended typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may need to explore other switch options with higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Thus, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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, both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Mint switches have a low-pitched profile, meaning they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a keyboard switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Mint switch is described as having a mild feel. This means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mint switch also shares the polished characteristic with the Grapefruit switch, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account the available information, both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Mint switches offer a light and fleeting type of feel. They both have a smooth and polished finish, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. In terms of sound, they share the same low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various purposes. It is important to keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and the final experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a soft and light linear switch with a baritone sound profile, you can expect similar results from both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Mint switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a soft and light feel, along with a deep yet not overpowering sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit switch is the one for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch has a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a satisfyingly smooth feel with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint switch is the ideal choice. It also has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The Mint switch is both mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you intend to use them at home or work. In the end, you can't go wrong with either the KTT Grapefruit or Mint switch, as they both offer unique characteristics that suit different preferences.
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