KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that stands out for its tarty feel and light touch, providing a soft typing experience accompanied by a distinctive "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a different typing experience with a neutral feel and no specific sound profile. While the Grapefruit switch may appeal to those looking for a polished and low-pitched typing experience, the Outemu Red switch could be preferred by users who prioritize a straightforward and neutral typing feel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Red switches are similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for top housing if RGB lighting is a consideration. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal to these switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Grapefruit and Red switches differ, with the Grapefruit incorporating a nylon bottom housing while the Red features a polycarbonate one. Typing on Grapefruit switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, Red switches with polycarbonate bottom housings may offer a different sound experience with a potentially sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches is crucial as they can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Grapefruit and Red switches share polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to a switch can help users make an informed decision based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Grapefruit has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Grapefruit is 53 grams, which is lighter than the Red's 62 grams. Overall, the Grapefruit offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force compared to the Red, which provides a more substantial push feel. Both switches fall into the medium category, but the Grapefruit leans towards the lighter side while the Red is on the heavier end. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses. If both switches have the same force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feel.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance in terms of the switch travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to their matching travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Red 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 profile with a mellow and bass-heavy tone, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal preference will also play a significant role in the actual sound produced by either switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is known for its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch. However, considering both switches are linear, you can expect a similar smooth and consistent keystroke experience, albeit with potential differences in overall feel due to factors like spring weight and stem design.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch stands out for its unique tarty feel, soft and light typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. While details about the Outemu Red linear switch are scarce, both switches being linear means you can expect relatively similar results in terms of feel and sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference, typing style, and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a softer and lighter feel with a unique sound profile that is a bit deeper, the KTT Grapefruit switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more traditional linear switch experience, the Outemu Red switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. Make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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