KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Grapefruit switches stand out for their unique characteristics, offering a soft and light typing feel with a distinct sound profile that is described as "baritone". They fall into the category of being low-pitched, neutral, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, making it a more standard option. If you prefer a switch with a softer and lighter typing experience and enjoy a distinct sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit may be the right choice for you. 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
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Ocean share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. With these similar characteristics in their top housings, users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects between the two switches.
However, where the Grapefruit and the Silent Ocean differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar deep and full sound characteristics during typing. This shared usage of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with enhanced sound quality.
Overall, while both the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Silent Ocean share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit and Silent Ocean both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience during typing. These distinctions in housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences for users of each switch, offering a variety of sound profiles to cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it lighter compared to the Silent Ocean, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Grapefruit switch make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This consistency ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel regardless of which switch they choose. In conclusion, both switches offer a standard travel distance that provides a consistent feel for users.
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 Ocean 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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a unique soft and light feel, along with a deep but not overpowering sound profile that falls into the low-pitched and neutral category. These switches are ideal for those looking for a smoother typing experience due to the polished finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound and feel is currently unknown. While the Grapefruit switch stands out for its distinct characteristics, the Silent Ocean switch may offer similar qualities or provide a different experience altogether. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it is recommended to test them out personally to determine which one suits your preferences the best.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Make sure to consider these factors carefully when choosing the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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