KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Grapefruit is revered for its unique tarty linear feel and a distinctive "baritone" sound profile, while the Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed to provide a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience ideal for office environments. The Grapefruit switch offers a light and soft typing feel, while the Mountain Top switch balances a light actuation with a subdued sound signature. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both materials have their own distinct qualities that can appeal to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and Mountain Top switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in material for the bottom housing may lead to a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile, despite the differences in the top housing materials. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary between the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Mountain Top switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, clear sound, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which absorb sound and contribute to a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel, as each housing material offers its own unique characteristics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ slightly in weight. The Grapefruit has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Grapefruit switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch offers a lighter touch, which can be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, both switches fall within the same general range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for typing feedback and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top, making it more traditional in terms of key press feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. Both switches offer a similar feel with slight differences in travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 and neutral sound profile that provides a deeper tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch also features a neutral sound profile that is quiet yet not entirely silent, perfect for discreet typing in professional environments. Both switches provide a balanced sound signature suitable for various settings and preferences, making them versatile options for users looking for a favorable typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, providing a spring-like feedback and gentle resistance that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and offering a responsive feel. Additionally, the Mountain Top switch is mild and subtle, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with a light actuation force that is suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and use cases. While the Grapefruit switch provides a deeper tone and polished feel, the Mountain Top switch delivers a quiet and bouncy typing experience with easy-to-press keys. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a soft and light typing experience with a slightly deeper sound profile, opt for the KTT Grapefruit switch with its medium-light 53-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch engineered for office environments with a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience and a comfortably light 50-gram bottom out force, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for feel and sound in your typing experience.
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