KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Perky offer two distinct yet appealing linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Grapefruit switches stand out with their tarty, soft feel and a baritone sound profile, creating a delightful acoustic experience that is both pleasant and neutral. Their low-pitched tones contribute to a more refined typing ambiance, making them suitable for users who appreciate a smoother touch. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches boast a unique blend of softer, glittery nylon housings, ensuring a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. With a reduced travel distance, these switches deliver a more condensed typing experience, perfect for those seeking quicker and more responsive key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer their own merits depending on user preferences—whether it's the Grapefruit's polished smoothness or the Perky's gratifying compactness. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Perky switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their top housing materials, with the Grapefruit utilizing polycarbonate and the Perky employing nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grapefruit is designed to facilitate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches intended for RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse effectively and create vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Perky’s nylon top housing offers a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This divergence creates different auditory experiences despite both switches having unique virtues.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Perky utilize nylon, which allows them to share similar acoustic properties that favor a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sounds effectively, contributing to a softer and more rounded auditory experience. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sounds and tactile feel when a key is pressed, both switches benefit from the material's inherent qualities. This means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a similar sound and feel during the key press, thanks to the shared nylon material in the lower housing.
Overall, the primary distinction between the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Perky lies in their top housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles. While the Grapefruit’s polycarbonate top adds a bright clarity to the auditory experience, the Perky’s nylon top provides a softer and more rounded sound. However, the use of nylon in both switches’ bottom housings fosters a shared foundation of deeper sounds, ensuring that the actuation feel remains consistent across both models. Therefore, while the overall characteristics differ somewhat due to the top housing materials, the combination of nylon in the bottom housings allows for a familiarity in the tactile experience that can appeal to those who appreciate a deeper typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, one can observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Perky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, designating it as a light option. This lighter actuation force in the Perky allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Grapefruit provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer tactile feedback. Overall, those seeking a lighter keystroke would favor the HMX Perky, whereas users who appreciate a more resistant experience would likely prefer the KTT Grapefruit.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Perky measures at 3.4 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. The Grapefruit's travel distance aligns with the traditional specification of 4 mm, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress feel. Conversely, the Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance appeals to gamers and users who favor faster response times, as shorter distances allow for quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced keypress, the KTT Grapefruit would be the ideal choice, while the HMX Perky would suit those seeking a more responsive and rapid typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 and neutral tone, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The baritone quality adds a slightly deep and mellow sound, which can be quite soothing for users who prefer a less intrusive typing experience. This switch strikes a balance between being audible enough to provide satisfying acoustic feedback while not being overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Perky linear switch is not explicitly provided, leaving some ambiguity regarding its acoustic characteristics. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound you experience can heavily depend on the keyboard you choose and the keycaps you use, which might influence how these switches perform auditory-wise.
As for feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are noted for their polished texture, which contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. With a soft and light type feel, users can enjoy reduced friction and seamless key travel, enhancing the tactile satisfaction during use. The Perky switches, while described as having a deeply satisfying typing experience, lack specific descriptors regarding their feel. What can be inferred is that their softer nylon housings may contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable experience, though without further details, a direct comparison on the tactile sensation is not as straightforward.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Perky linear switches cater to specific preferences that can appeal to different users. The Grapefruit’s refined sound profile combined with its smooth feel makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more traditional yet enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Perky switch, while promising a satisfying feel due to its materials, leaves questions unanswered regarding its sound characteristics. Ultimately, both can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but personal preference will guide which switch fits best for an individual based on sound and feel. If sound characteristics are a priority, testing both options on a suitable board might be the best way to discern which aligns more closely with your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light feel with a deeper, low-pitched sound and a polished keypress experience, the KTT Grapefruit switches will likely appeal to you. Their 53-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a nuanced audio profile that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making them a great choice for anyone who values sound quality and smoothness in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky's 50-gram force might be more suitable. Their softer, glittery nylon housing results in a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, perfect for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and precision over auditory feedback. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you lean more towards an evocative auditory experience and smooth action or a light, quick response with a balanced feel.
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