KTT Grapefruit vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can greatly impact your typing experience. The KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, is renowned for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a unique sound profile that falls somewhere between a "baritone" and "bass" tone. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a tactile alternative with a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback while keeping noise levels to a minimum, perfect for quiet office environments. The Penguin switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but delving deeper into their nuances will help you make the best choice for your specific needs. So, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and Akko Penguin both feature nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Grapefruit uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Penguin's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a focus on sound quality.

In terms of aesthetics, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Meanwhile, the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual flair but prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound experience. It's a trade-off between style and sound as users weigh their preferences between the two materials.

When it comes to key feel, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the typing experience. The softer nature of nylon in both the Grapefruit and Penguin's bottom housing contributes to a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel. However, the impact of the top housing material becomes more apparent when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate of the Grapefruit providing a sharper sound compared to the rounder sound of the Penguin's nylon top housing. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance of sound characteristics based on the combination of their housing materials.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams while the Penguin demands a higher force of 60 grams. This means that the Grapefruit switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. On the other hand, the Penguin switch offers a tactile typing experience with a bit more resistance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, with the Grapefruit leaning towards the lighter end and the Penguin towards the heavier side. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with slight variations in the required force for actuation and bottoming out.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the 0.7 mm difference may be noticeable to those who are sensitive to key travel. Gamers may prefer the Penguin switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while typists who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Grapefruit switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and neutral sound, perfect for reducing noise in quiet settings like offices. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Grapefruit offering a deeper tone while the Penguin focuses on minimizing noise levels.

In terms of feel, both the Grapefruit and Penguin switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Grapefruit switch is known for its light and soft feel, providing a polished and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Penguin switch offers a mild and feathery feel, striking a balance between gentle typing and light actuation force to reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their polished finish and subtle tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and Akko Penguin tactile switch each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit boasts a low-pitched sound profile and a soft, polished typing feel, while the Penguin provides a muted sound and a gentle, feathery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both options ensure a smooth and comfortable typing experience for different usage scenarios. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be a suitable choice, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a deeper sound profile for those seeking a more distinctive auditory experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a soft and light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback and a muted sound profile for noise reduction in office environments, the Penguin switch may be more suitable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, but the Grapefruit offers a polished typing experience while the Penguin provides a gentle and approachable feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more