KTT Grapefruit vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that stands out for its soft and light feel, along with a deep sound profile that is neither too high-pitched nor too low-pitched. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice also falls under the linear category and is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons why you may want to choose it; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Salt Ice keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. Both keyboards benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a similar sound experience for users.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound output. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Salt Ice keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a crisper sound. Understanding how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience can help users choose a keyboard that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. In terms of weight, the Grapefruit is considered medium-light, providing a balance between ease of typing and a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the weight of the Salt Ice is uncertain, making it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier. The actuation force plays a crucial role in determining how much force is needed to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the amount of force needed to fully press a key. These factors are important to consider when choosing a switch based on personal preference for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit switch. The difference may not be significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preference. Those who prefer a quicker response time may opt for the Salt Ice switch with its shorter travel distance, ideal for gaming. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Grapefruit switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, giving off a vibrant feedback without specific descriptors provided. Depending on factors such as your keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by both switches may vary, but overall, users can expect a unique auditory experience with each.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is noted for its polished feel, showcasing a smooth and refined finish that leads to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch. Whether the Salt Ice switch offers a similar polished feel or a different tactile sensation remains unknown.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches both bring distinct qualities to the table. While the Grapefruit switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, the Salt Ice switch shines with bright and clacky characteristics, offering users a different typing experience. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect unique qualities from each switch that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand will provide the best insight into which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Grapefruit linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a soft and light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with bright and clacky characteristics, along with a lighter touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice switch could be the better option. Ultimately, whether you choose the Grapefruit or Salt Ice switch will depend on your individual preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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