KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch. The KTT Grapefruit switches are unique in their own right, known for their soft and light feel with a "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offer a tactile feedback without the audible clicks. While the Grapefruit is best known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, the Dustproof Brown does not have a specific standout feature. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the Grapefruit has a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Dustproof Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Dustproof Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice enhances the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound profile. Additionally, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, adding to the tactile feedback and overall typing experience for the user.
While the top and bottom housings for each switch differ in material composition, both the Grapefruit and Dustproof Brown benefit from the unique qualities each housing material brings. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for an optimized typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Overall, this combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offers a blend of sharp, crisp sound profiles and deeper, fuller typing experiences for users seeking different tactile feedback options.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 45 grams, the same as the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch. This means that both switches will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit switch is lighter at 53 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown switch, which is heavier at 65 grams. This suggests that the Grapefruit switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown switch will offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a heavier switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences with both switches, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, whether you choose the Grapefruit or the Dustproof Brown switch, you can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Brown comes in at $3.10.
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. This means that the sound produced by these switches is deeper and more mellow compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for various environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall tactile feedback when typing. As for the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, information regarding the feel of this switch is not provided. However, if the Grapefruit switch is polished and offers a smooth typing experience, one can assume that the Dustproof Brown switch may offer a similar level of comfort and performance.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch stands out for its unique tarty linear design, soft and light feel, low-pitched sound profile, and polished finish. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch appears to lack available information regarding its sound and feel qualities. If you are looking for a switch with a smooth typing experience and a deep, mellow sound, the Grapefruit switch may be the ideal choice for you. If looking for similar qualities in the Dustproof Brown switch, it would be recommended to test it out firsthand to determine its performance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a softer, light feel with a slightly deeper sound profile, the Grapefruit linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a tactile typing experience without any specific sound profile preference, the Dustproof Brown tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, feel, and sound profile to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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