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KTT Grapefruit vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura

An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Grapefruit stands out for its tarty linear design, providing a soft and light feel with a unique low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a tactile response with a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between pronounced tactility and a mild, neutral sound signature. While the Grapefruit appeals to those seeking a polished and neutral typing experience, the Purple Sakura caters to individuals looking for a snappy and buttery feel. 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

50g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.20 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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm lengthened single-staged spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for a more clear and resonant sound, which is especially useful if RGB lighting is a feature you are interested in. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities as the Grapefruit in terms of sound.

While both switches share a common polycarbonate top housing material, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials showcases how the overall sound profile may vary slightly between the KTT Grapefruit and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing. This split in housing materials affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, despite some differences in the housing materials, users can expect a similar level of sound quality and performance from both switches.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the differentiation in their nylon bottom housing materials offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of these housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the bottom and top housings contributing distinct characteristics to the overall sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a stiffer polycarbonate or softer nylon housing, both switches offer quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. In contrast, the Purple Sakura is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches offer a medium feel, but the Grapefruit provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Grapefruit, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may favor the Purple Sakura for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent feel across different typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Sakura offers a quicker key press response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing feel. In this case, the Grapefruit switch is the longer option, while the Purple Sakura is the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.

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 profile, providing a mellow and moderate sound suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch also offers a neutral sound signature, with a mild and understated tone that complements the buttery and snappy feel of the switch. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound profiles, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is characterized by its buttery and mild feel, providing a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is both effortless and responsive. The snappiness of the Purple Sakura switch adds an extra layer of liveliness to the typing experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback and satisfaction.

In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished feel, the Purple Sakura switch delivers a neutral sound with a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the tarty linear feel of the Grapefruit switch or the decadently buttery feel of the Purple Sakura switch, both of which promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a soft, neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a snappy, buttery feel with a more pronounced tactile response, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal switch for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to test them out and see which one resonates with you the most.

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