KTT Grapefruit vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself comparing the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh Sage switches. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch, known for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct typing experience with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. The Grapefruit is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, while the Sage is invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. However, 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

Kailh Sage Clicky

$3.41 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh Sage, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, offer similar benefits to the overall sound profile of the switches. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality makes it ideal for achieving a clear and resonant sound profile. Both the Grapefruit and the Sage utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, ensuring a consistent sound experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency enables the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who want to enhance their keyboard's aesthetics.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the Grapefruit and the Sage employ nylon, which offers distinct characteristics. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a different typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using these switches due to the bottom housing material.

It's worth noting that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect nuanced differences in sound and typing experience between the Grapefruit and the Sage, with the bottom housing material playing a key role in shaping the overall sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can observe some significant differences. The Grapefruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Sage switch's actuation force is currently unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight, lighter switches, such as the Grapefruit, are favored by individuals who value extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. The lighter actuation force of the Grapefruit allows for greater ease of typing, reducing strain over long periods. Moreover, the bottom out force of 53 grams ensures a satisfying keystroke without excessive pressure.

In contrast, the Sage switch caters to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. With its higher bottom out force of 70 grams, users can enjoy a stronger push feel, providing a tactile response and a sense of confidence with each keystroke. While the actuation force for the Sage switch is unknown, it can be assumed that it will deliver a similar clicky feel during typing.

In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces differentiate the KTT Grapefruit and the Kailh Sage switches. The Grapefruit boasts a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sage, which offers a heavier bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose their desired level of feedback and typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional standards, 4.0 mm is considered a more typical travel distance, while 3.6 mm falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. However, it should be noted that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you value a quicker and more responsive typing experience, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance for a more satisfying depth to their keystrokes. Overall, it ultimately comes down to 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 sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a distinct clicky typing experience. The sound of these switches can be described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its polished feel. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. These switches provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Each keypress on the Sage switch is accompanied by a distinct and strong tactile bump.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Grapefruit provides a soft and light linear feel, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile with a hint of bass. On the other hand, the Sage offers a heavy, crisp, and clicky typing experience, with an invigorating tactile feel. If you are looking for a switch with a mellow sound and polished feel, the Grapefruit would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a distinct clicky sound and an immersive typing sensation with strong tactile feedback, the Sage would be the way to go. Keep in mind that personal preference and other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used can also greatly influence the overall experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a soft and light typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their tarty and soft feel, along with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be more suitable. These switches offer a refreshing and sharp clickiness, giving you a satisfying typing sensation.

In terms of sound, the Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the Sage switch has a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.

When it comes to feel, the Grapefruit switch offers a polished experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This is thanks to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a pronounced feedback and snappy response with each keypress. This creates an immersive typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider your priorities and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more