KTT Grapefruit vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Grapefruit is a linear switch, known for its soft and light feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Blueberry is a tactile switch, offering a sharp tactile bump for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. While the Grapefruit falls under a category of being low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the Blueberry is described as snappy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, invigorating, and stiff. Choosing between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucent material is particularly useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to an aesthetically pleasing switch, they offer different auditory experiences.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Grapefruit employs a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder profile. On the other hand, the Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and muted sound as its top housing. Thus, the different bottom housings in these switches do not significantly impact the overall sound experience.

When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile experience unique to each switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the bottom and top housings distribute different qualities throughout the typing experience.

In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry greatly affects the sound profiles and overall aesthetics of these switches. The polycarbonate top housing in the Grapefruit creates a sharper, crisper sound, while the POM top housing in the Blueberry produces a deeper, more muted sound. The nylon bottom housing in the Grapefruit offers a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing in the Blueberry contributes to a similar deep and muted profile. The impact of the individual housing materials becomes evident based on the pressing and releasing of keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Grapefruit switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which can be considered in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a significant bottom out force of 80 grams, placing it in the heavy category.

These variances in force can greatly impact the typing experience for individuals. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Grapefruit would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience, making it ideal for long periods of typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor.

Alternatively, the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This extra force can lend a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity to each keystroke, which some individuals may prefer for a more deliberate and intentional typing style.

It is important to note that the actuation and bottom out forces of both switches differ significantly, ensuring that users will achieve noticeably different results in terms of typing feel and experience. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to consider personal preferences and typing style when deciding between these two switches, as choosing the appropriate weight can greatly enhance the overall typing satisfaction.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a soft and light feel, giving it a unique typing experience. It is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a deeper, yet not overly "thocky" sound while typing. The Grapefruit switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing feel.

On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a distinctive and satisfying typing feel. When typing on these switches, you can expect a lower-than-average sound frequency, a little deeper than average but not as sharp as higher-pitched switches. This switch is described as snappy, buttery, and invigorating, providing a responsive and immersive typing sensation.

Overall, both switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Grapefruit provides a soft and light feel, with a low-pitched sound profile and a polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a snappy, buttery, and invigorating feel while typing. Both switches bring their own characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it's recommended to consider these factors when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a softer and lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The Grapefruit switches also have a "baritone" sound profile that is not yet "bass" deep, providing a low-pitched and neutral sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their snappy and buttery feel, creating a responsive and invigorating typing sensation. The Blueberry switches also have a lower-than-average sound frequency, with a clean and sharp resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Grapefruit and Blueberry switches depends on your personal preference for typing force, feel, and sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more