KTT Grapefruit vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences for users. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that provides a soft and light typing feel, accompanied by a deep yet not overwhelming sound profile. It is best known for its low-pitched, neutral, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Grapefruit may appeal to those looking for a more subtle typing experience, the Spring Breeze could be a choice for those seeking a more tactile and audible 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze are quite different in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. Both housing materials have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound and nylon providing a rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing's softer composition helps absorb sound and create a duller sound compared to harder plastics, allowing for a more satisfying typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials of the switches are the same, the impact on the sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of a key will be influenced by each respective housing material, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Grapefruit and the Outemu Spring Breeze, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience based on their housing composition. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for creating a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound that appeals to those looking for a more traditional typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the roundness of nylon, both switches are engineered to deliver a satisfying typing sound that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch at 40 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Grapefruit at 53 grams and the Spring Breeze at 55 grams. This means that while the Spring Breeze requires less force to initiate a keystroke, it ultimately requires more force to bottom out compared to the Grapefruit. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users, with the Grapefruit feeling slightly firmer and the Spring Breeze feeling slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experience between the two switches. Overall, while the two switches may differ in terms of their tactile feedback and actuation force, their travel distance remains the same, ensuring a similar typing experience whether you choose the Grapefruit or the Spring Breeze switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 is known for its soft and light feel, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's feel is not specified. In terms of sound, the Grapefruit switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a deep and moderate tone. The sound profile of the Spring Breeze switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Overall, while the Grapefruit switch offers a specific feel and sound profile, the information available for the Spring Breeze switch is limited. As a newcomer, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound between these switches, based on the provided descriptions. However, for a more accurate comparison, it is recommended to try out both switches firsthand to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Grapefruit linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should opt for the Grapefruit if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a soft and light feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Grapefruit is also polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Spring Breeze may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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