KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, with the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Milk Blue exemplifying two distinct paths. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that offers a soft and lightweight feel, providing smooth key presses without any tactile feedback—ideal for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile adds a subtle auditory backdrop without overwhelming noise, making it appealing for both work and gaming environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that delivers a pronounced tactile response and an engaging click sound with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, often leading to a lively typing rhythm. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a smooth, noise-free experience or the gratifying feedback of a clicky 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

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.41 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Milk Blue switches feature top housings made of polycarbonate, resulting in a sound profile characterized by sharpness, clarity, and a higher pitch. This similarity is attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances the resonance and articulation of the sound produced when a key is actuated. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucence not only allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects but also ensures that the sound characteristics align closely. Therefore, users can expect similar audio experiences from both switches due to the identical materials used in their top housings.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Grapefruit and Milk Blue switches both utilize nylon, a classic choice that contributes distinctly to the overall sound profile and typing feel. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound waves. This material’s dampening qualities create a rounder sound signature that complements the sharper tones generated by the polycarbonate top. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, both switches will offer a warm, rounded auditory response on actuation, while the polycarbonate top allows resonance and brightness during key release.

The interaction between the materials in both switches highlights how the polycarbonate and nylon work together to create a multifaceted sound experience. While the KTT Grapefruit offers a balanced mix of clarity in the top with the polycarbonate, it is complemented by the warm depth of the nylon bottom. Likewise, the Outemu Milk Blue combines the same principles of sound dynamics, ensuring that users experience a cohesive typing experience. As such, despite the different branding, those familiar with either switch can expect similar auditory feedback and tactile responses, showcasing how material choices dictate the overall feel and sound in mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the actuation forces reveal notable differences in their feel and performance. The Grapefruit switch requires a 45-gram actuation force and has a bottom-out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom-out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, leaving us without comparative metrics for that specific aspect. Overall, the Grapefruit is the lighter option, while the Milk Blue provides a heavier touch, which can influence a typist's choice depending on their preferences for strain and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, whether one prefers the smooth actuation of the Grapefruit or the tactile feedback of the Milk Blue. As both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, they will provide comparable performance in typing and gaming scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound profiles, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch presents itself as a remarkable option with its deep, low-pitched tone. This sound characteristic combines a mellow, baritone quality that is generally more subdued than the higher-pitched sounds often associated with clicky switches, providing an enjoyable auditory experience without being overly distracting. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for diverse environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The Outemu Milk Blue switch, however, lacks a detailed sound description, which makes it difficult to provide a comparative analysis. Notably, the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, allowing enthusiasts to craft their own unique auditory experiences.

Regarding the feel of each switch, the KTT Grapefruit excels with its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This quality allows for reduced friction during key travel, which is especially beneficial for typists who value a seamless and responsive interaction with their keyboard. The Grapefruit is characterized as soft and light, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch, leaving a gap in the comparative understanding of the tactile experience it may provide.

In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch showcases notable strengths in both sound and feel, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize smooth and pleasant typing experiences coupled with a subtle auditory output. The characteristics of the Grapefruit offer a clear advantage, particularly for users seeking a refined tactile experience. Without detailed information on the Outemu Milk Blue switch, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison, but the existing data clearly highlights the Grapefruit's suitability for a thoughtful keyboard enthusiast.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you're looking for a smooth, polished typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the KTT Grapefruit is an excellent option. Its low-pitched and mellow sound profile makes it suitable for both quiet home environments and shared workspace situations, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with an audible click to signify key presses, then the Outemu Milk Blue would be your go-to choice, though it's worth noting that specific details about its characteristics are less defined. You'll want to consider how often you'll be typing in a quiet setting versus needing that gratifying sound and feel that typists often crave. Ultimately, weigh your priorities—whether they lean towards a smooth, understated sound experience or an engaging clicky sensation—to make the best decision for your typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more