KTT Grapefruit vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and Haimu Neo White switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, is known for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a distinct "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White, also a linear switch, stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Grapefruit is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths that may appeal to different users depending on their typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Neo White have polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects. However, while the top housings are similar, the bottom housings differ between the two switches. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Neo White's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more resonant polycarbonate.
The use of different bottom housings in the Grapefruit and Neo White switches showcases how the material of the housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Nylon bottom housing in the Grapefruit creates a more substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Neo White offers a crisper and sharper typing sound, emphasizing clarity over depth in the overall typing experience. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing feel and sound profile of a switch.
While both the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Neo White feature polycarbonate top housings that create a similar sharp and clear sound profile, the difference in bottom housings results in distinct typing experiences between the two switches. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the typing experience with a more muffled and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a crisper and sharper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Ultimately, the choice between the Grapefruit and Neo White will come down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that there are some differences in weight. The Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Neo White has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Grapefruit. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Grapefruit for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Neo White for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Grapefruit switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press sensation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Neo White switch is slightly shorter, offering a quicker response time which is favored by gamers looking for faster keystroke executions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference with some users opting for the longer travel distance for a more robust typing experience, while others may prefer the shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 tone that is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch also has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, catering to a wider range of users with its gentle characteristics. Despite their differences in feel, both switches offer a comfortable typing feel that is sure to satisfy users looking for a smoother keypress.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch distinguishes itself with its softer and lighter feel, along with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, offering a distinctive and satisfying typing experience. While each switch has its own unique qualities, both are excellent options for those seeking a high-quality linear switch with a pleasant sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a softer, lighter typing experience with a unique sound profile, opt for the Grapefruit switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a smooth actuation and a more neutral sound profile, the Neo White switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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