KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Purple

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Purple stand out for their distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch celebrated for its soft and light feel, providing a smooth typing experience that many users enjoy, particularly for gaming and extended typing sessions. Its low-pitched sound profile adds a unique auditory touch without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a tactile feedback that appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced response with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who seek a balance between feel and performance. While the Grapefruit provides a minimalist experience perfect for those who prefer quiet and effortless keystrokes, the Purple adds a tactile quality that enhances the typing experience for users who value feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Purple are quite similar, particularly in the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This shared material allows both switches to produce a high-pitched and clear auditory experience, ideal for users who appreciate nuanced sound quality in their typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually striking when illuminated. As such, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic presentation when using either switch.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a contrast to the higher-pitched sound generated by the polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this material tends to absorb more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when a key is bottomed out. The combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom in both switches means that while the top housing excels in clarity and resonance, the bottom housing brings warmth and fullness to the overall sound profile.

In essence, while the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Purple share common ground in their top and bottom housing materials—both using polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—their sound profiles are a collaboration of these differing materials. Users will notice that when typing, the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top is accentuated by the rounder sounds produced by the nylon bottom. This interplay creates a balanced auditory experience that combines the strengths of both material types. Therefore, even though the top and bottom housings are different, the resulting sound and feel of each switch deliver a rich and engaging typing experience that satisfies a diverse range of user preferences.

Weight

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its lighter push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force is unknown. This heavier actuation may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the KTT Grapefruit is the lighter switch, offering slightly less resistance, while the Outemu Purple may provide a firmer push, drawing a clear distinction for users based on their preferences for typing feel and force. Since the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, we can only speculate on how that could influence overall keystroke experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch, leading to consistent keystrokes across both options. Since their travel distances are equal, you won't notice any difference in the distance your fingers travel when typing or gaming, allowing for a comparable experience in terms of responsiveness and key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch stands out with its low-pitched and neutral tone. The deep, mellow sound produces a baritone quality that offers a pleasant auditory experience, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The sound characteristics of the Grapefruit switch, while soft and deep, also benefit from a degree of versatility due to its moderate profile, catering well to both beginners and experienced typists who may not want distracting noise. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switch remain unclear, leaving potential users to evaluate it in conjunction with their keyboard setup.

In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is characterized by its polished finish. This smooth and refined quality results from either the materials used or factory lubrication, ensuring a luxurious typing experience with reduced friction and a fluid key travel. This enhancement can make a noticeable difference during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no description available for the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.

In summary, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is distinguished by its soft, polished feel and deep sound profile, promoting a smooth and refined typing experience that is enjoyable across various settings. The absence of detailed qualities for the Outemu Purple tactile switch leaves some gaps in the comparison, particularly regarding its sound and tactile feel. However, if you prefer a linear experience, the Grapefruit offers notable advantages, while the Purple's unknown characteristics may still appeal based on personal preference or specific typing needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a smooth, polished typing experience with a soft and light feel, the Grapefruit switch is an excellent choice. The lower bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more effortless press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile can be appealing if you prefer a quieter environment, whether at home or in the office. Conversely, if you lean towards tactile feedback and enjoy a more traditional typing experience with noticeable actuation points, the Outemu Purple might be worth considering. While specific details about the Purple's characteristics are sparse, tactile switches are generally preferred for typing and gaming where feedback enhances precision and satisfaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, assess whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel or a tactile bump to guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more