KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the perfect fit for your typing preferences is essential. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Purple Click switches. The Grapefruit switch is best known for its soft and light type feel, accompanied by a deep yet not overpowering sound profile. It falls under the category of being low-pitched, neutral, and polished. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, aptly named Purple Sauce, offers a satisfying high-pitched click with light keystrokes that provide just the right amount of tactility. This switch is characterized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, but let's delve deeper into the intricacies of each switch to help you make the best decision.
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
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Purple Click have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. These shared qualities ensure that both the Grapefruit and Purple Click switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Grapefruit utilizes nylon, while the Purple Click also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively soft properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom housing of the Grapefruit switch will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Purple Click.
In summary, both the Grapefruit and Purple Click switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar experience in terms of sound and aesthetics. However, the different use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. These variations highlight how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches, influencing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, with the Grapefruit requiring 45 grams and the Purple Click requiring 40 grams. This means that users can expect a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke on either switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Grapefruit requires a slightly heavier force of 53 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grapefruit may be the better option as it requires a slightly lighter bottom out force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for more comfortable typing. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a stronger push feel for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit and Purple Click switches offer a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the Grapefruit is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, while the Purple Click provides a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that when using either switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed down. Therefore, the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are the same.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a soft and light feel with a "baritone" sound profile that is not yet fully bass. This means that the sound produced by these switches is deep and mellow, but not as bass-heavy as some other low-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch provides a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. It offers a more resonant and immersive auditory experience compared to the Grapefruit switch. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as having a polished feel. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by these switches contribute to a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback. It has a moderate to firm actuation force and provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Additionally, these clicky switches have a stepped feel, meaning they offer some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a single, pronounced bump.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch offers a soft and light feel with a baritone sound profile, while the Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched, satisfying click with a resonant sound profile. Both switches offer unique and immersive typing experiences, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If you are looking for a similar sound or feel, you can expect to get comparable results with either switch, depending on the specifics of your keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferred sound and feel. If you are looking for a soft and light type feel with a deep sound profile, the Grapefruit switch is the way to go. It offers a tarty linear switch experience that is smooth and refined, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched, satisfying click with a pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch is the better choice. It offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Purple Click switch provides a snappy and reactive feel with moderate to firm actuation force, making typing an invigorating sensation. Overall, consider your sound and feel preferences when deciding between these switches, and choose the one that best suits your typing style.