KTT Grapefruit vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the BSUN Olive are two standout options with unique characteristics. The Grapefruit, a linear switch, is known for its soft and light feel, along with a "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Olive, a tactile switch, offers a deep and resonant sound, as well as pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. While the Grapefruit is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons for choosing them, 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

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Olive have different top housing materials, with the Grapefruit featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Olive using a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound profile of the POM top housing of the Olive. While both materials have their own unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound profile - with polycarbonate providing a clearer resonance and POM offering a more subdued tone.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the Olive incorporates a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, POM bottom housings also contribute to a deep and muted sound profile, sharing similarities with the Nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit. Despite their differences in overall sound, both housing materials offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound characteristics.

While there are differences between the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Olive, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of qualities when typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper resonance of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit or the deeper tone of POM in the Olive, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams, while the Olive requires 65 grams, making the Olive a heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Olive switch may provide more resistance and feedback when typing compared to the Grapefruit switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grapefruit would be the better choice, but if you prefer a heavier feel with more resistance, the Olive would be the way to go. Both switches offer a solid typing experience, but the difference in bottom out force may be a deciding factor for some users.

Travel distance

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being on the longer side and the Olive on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Olive switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may favor the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive tactile switch provides a resonant, deep sound that is unique to its all-POM housing construction. The Olive switch's sound profile is not specified in the provided information, but it is likely to offer a more distinct and pronounced sound compared to the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the sound experience of both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Olive switch is described as offering an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, thanks to a unique design and long pole stem that ensures a crisp bottom-out. The Olive switch also provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, contributing to an immersive typing sensation. These qualities make the Olive switch stand out in terms of tactile feedback compared to the Grapefruit.

Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch excels in providing a soft and light feel with a low-pitched sound profile, while the BSUN Olive tactile switch delivers a pronounced tactile feedback with a deep and resonant sound. Depending on personal preferences for typing experience, users can choose between the smoother and more neutral feel of the Grapefruit or the invigorating and sharp tactility of the Olive switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and resonant sound profile accompanied by pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Whether you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience or a more tactile and pronounced feedback, both the Grapefruit and Olive switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences to determine which switch best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more