KTT Grapefruit vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Ragdoll, both of which offer a linear feel but cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit switches stand out with their soft and light typing sensation, complemented by a unique "baritone" sound profile that appeals to those seeking a smooth, understated auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, delivering a clackier sound and a satisfying tactile responsiveness that some users may prefer for gaming or fast-paced typing. Both switches provide a distinguished typing experience, with the Grapefruit focusing on a more polished feel and sound, while the Ragdoll emphasizes a slightly more vivacious auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Ragdoll exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which influence their acoustic profiles. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This trait not only enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses but also complements RGB lighting effects thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. Conversely, the Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, the choice of top housing materials dramatically alters the overall typing experience, with the Grapefruit prioritizing brightness and clarity while the Ragdoll focuses on warmth and depth.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon material, leading to similarities in their acoustic characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both switches is responsible for delivering a deeply resonant sound that absorbs vibrations, yielding a fuller auditory experience during key presses. As a shared feature, this commonality in material allows both switches to offer a consistent performance when it comes to how they feel when bottomed out. Therefore, with both switches providing a similar base construction for the bottom housing, any differences in sound are primarily derived from the contrasting top housings.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Ragdoll emphasizes the duality of sound characteristics in keyboard switches. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to a robust and rounded acoustic quality in both cases, the top housing fundamentally shapes the overall sound experience and tactile feel. On the Grapefruit, the polycarbonate top enhances the sharpness and clarity, making for an exciting typing experience with RGB backlighting. In comparison, the Ragdoll’s nylon top promotes a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users who prefer a warmer and softer keystroke. Ultimately, these complementary yet contrasting materials in both the top and bottom housings present users with a varied spectrum of auditory experiences, appealing to different preferences and styles of typing.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This alignment in actuation forces suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Grapefruit switch has a slightly higher resistance at 53 grams compared to the Ragdoll's 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel medium-light overall, the Grapefruit might offer a marginally heavier feel when fully pressed, providing a bit more feedback at the end of the keystroke. Consequently, both switches cater well to typists who enjoy lighter forces, but the Grapefruit offers a slightly firmer finish to the actuation, making it the heavier of the two switches at bottom out.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch offers a more substantial feel, which can be appealing for users who prefer a deeper keypress that provides a sense of travel and feedback. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as it requires less travel to register a keypress. While both switches are designed to deliver a smooth typing experience characteristic of linear switches, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance results in a more pronounced actuation, potentially leading to a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you appreciate a heavier, more deliberate feel, the KTT Grapefruit would be the better option, whereas if you seek a quicker response, the Bsun Ragdoll might be the preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a unique sound profile characterized by a deep, low-pitched tone that leans towards being baritone without reaching bass levels. This provides a mellow auditory experience that can be pleasing in both quiet and shared environments. The neutral sound descriptor suggests that these switches are versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a clacky sound attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While we do not have precise descriptors for the Ragdoll's sound, the clacking experience may signify a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the softer tone of the Grapefruit.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is noted for its polished sensation, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This sleekness is likely the result of high-quality materials and possibly factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and a more satisfying key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch’s specific feel characteristics remain unknown; however, the mention of a Y3 stem typically indicates a design that prioritizes smoothness and reliability. In general, one can expect the Grapefruit to provide a plush typing experience, while the Ragdoll’s feel may vary, potentially offering a more tactile engagement depending on its construction.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches exhibit distinct sound and feel qualities. The Grapefruit is ideal for those seeking a smooth, low-pitched auditory experience combined with a refined typing sensation, while the Ragdoll may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Grapefruit would be the way to go, but if you enjoy a clackier sound profile, the Ragdoll may be more suited to your tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and desired acoustic experience. If you lean towards a soft and light feel along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit switch will likely resonate with you. Its polished design ensures a smooth, refined typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use, whether you're typing at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and a switch designed for seamless travel, the Ragdoll may be more appealing. The Ragdoll’s unique Y3 stem contributes to its smooth keypress, ideal for those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Therefore, consider your own tactile and auditory preferences when making your selection, as both switches offer distinct experiences suited to different environments and typing styles.