KTT Grapefruit vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as popular options among enthusiasts. The KTT Grapefruit is known for its soft and light feel, paired with a "baritone" sound profile that isn't too deep, making it ideal for those who prefer a more neutral and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red switch but with the added benefit of silent operation, perfect for those who work in noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their advantages, but the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. While the specific qualities of the sound may vary slightly between the two switches, the overall experience should be quite similar. The absorption of sound by the nylon material in the bottom housing will result in a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Grapefruit and the Cherry MX Silent Red differ, with the Grapefruit incorporating a polycarbonate top housing and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizing a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly well-suited for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more classic typing experience. Users may notice a difference in sound when releasing a key, as the top housing has more of an impact on this aspect of the typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Cherry MX Silent Red may differ in their top housing composition, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing in the Grapefruit and nylon top housing in the Cherry MX Silent Red provides users with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with RGB lighting compatibility, as offered by the Grapefruit, or a deeper and fuller sound profile with a classic typing experience, as provided by the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches deliver on quality and performance.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch reveals some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the KTT Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the KTT Grapefruit can be considered medium-light due to its bottom out force, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's weight remains uncertain. When it comes to choosing between the two, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those looking for a more substantial feel may prefer the KTT Grapefruit for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with 4.0 mm being the most common. Gamers tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances for quick and responsive gameplay, making the Cherry MX Silent Red a popular choice in this regard. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Grapefruit switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users in various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted and thocky sound, with a low-pitched tone that reduces noise significantly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Grapefruit offering a deeper and bass-heavy tone compared to the Silent Red's softer and quieter sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is known for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a textured feel, adding noticeable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for a different typing sensation. While the Grapefruit offers a sleek and friction-free feel, the Silent Red provides a textured experience that can cater to those seeking a different tactile sensation while typing.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile and a polished, smooth typing experience, the Grapefruit switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted, thocky sound and a textured typing feel with reduced noise, the MX Silent Red switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Grapefruit linear switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a unique deep sound profile, the Grapefruit switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heavier feel with a significantly quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable, especially for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
