KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch known for its soft and light feel, along with a deep sound profile that falls somewhere between "baritone" and "bass". On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly satisfying typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Grapefruit is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Silent Grey is a silent option for those who prefer tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Silent Grey switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed to use RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in the bottom housings, with the Grapefruit utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound properties, both the Grapefruit and Silent Grey switches will offer distinct experiences due to their different bottom housings despite sharing the same top housing material. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing will also support this quality. The impact of the bottom housing is especially noticeable when bottoming out a key, as it affects the sound and feel of the keypress. Meanwhile, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater influence on the sound produced when lifting off a key, creating a clear and resonant sound profile.
Overall, while the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Silent Grey switches may share a polycarbonate top housing, their unique nylon bottom housings distinguish their sound profiles. The Grapefruit's deeper and fuller sound attributed to its nylon bottom housing contrasts with the crisper and higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey also benefits from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound experience to the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The actuation force on both switches is similar enough that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force on the Silent Grey switch is notably heavier, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is apparent that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar experience in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness when using either switch. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches allows for a smooth and consistent typing experience, making them suitable choices for individuals who prefer a shorter travel distance compared to other switches on the market. While the two switches may differ in terms of their tactile feedback, with the Silent Grey offering a quieter typing experience, their travel distances are identical, resulting in comparable performance in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey 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 tone that gives a deeper and more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound while typing. Both switches have different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, so it ultimately depends on whether you prefer a low-pitched or a silent typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. If you prefer a smoother and refined typing experience, the Grapefruit switch would be the better option, whereas if you enjoy a pronounced bump and tactile feedback, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable.
Considering the information provided, the KTT Grapefruit switch and the Outemu Silent Grey switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a low-pitched, smooth, and refined typing experience, the Grapefruit switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Grapefruit may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Grey switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
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