KTT Grapefruit vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Grapefruit and Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches that bring their own unique qualities to the table. The KTT Grapefruit switches are best known for their soft and light feel, with a distinct "baritone" sound profile that is not quite "bass". On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer a captivating selection of five pastel colors and a typing experience that exudes dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and provide a frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, with the Grapefruit being categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, while the Sea Glass is known for being frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Sea Glass differ in several aspects. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is pleasant with a slightly brighter tone. While both materials contribute to a desirable sound, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing may provide a sharper and more defined sound compared to the Sea Glass's blend.
In terms of bottom housing, the Grapefruit uses nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is described as pleasant and not particularly sharp, yet somewhat brighter. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit may produce a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Sea Glass's blend.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the housing materials play a significant role. If the top and bottom housings are different, as in the case of the Grapefruit and Sea Glass, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Both the Grapefruit and Sea Glass aim to provide pleasant sound profiles, but the specific qualities and tones may differ due to the variation in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures a consistent and responsive typing experience for users of either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is classified as medium. This means that the Sea Glass switch requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience compared to the Grapefruit switch. Consideration of weight is important when selecting a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grapefruit switch would be more suitable as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial keystroke, the Sea Glass switch with its heavier bottom out force would be a better choice. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces provide different options for individuals with varying typing preferences.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Durock Sea Glass offer slightly different experiences. The Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a standard depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to those who prefer a slightly more shallow feel. Gamers especially tend to choose shorter travel distances for faster response times, as every millisecond counts in their gameplay. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Sea Glass would be the better choice for you. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and deep keystroke experience, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper, bass-heavy tone, which gives it a mellow and soothing sound. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Considering this, it is likely that the Sea Glass switch will have a distinct hollow sound signature, as described in its overall description.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its polished feel. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction. It is also characterized as mild, meaning it falls in the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, providing a soft and light typing experience with a baritone sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, offering a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. While specific information about the sound profile of the Sea Glass switch is not provided, it is expected to deliver a distinct sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, both the KTT Grapefruit and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a softer and lighter typing experience with a moderately low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit switches would be a great choice. These switches have a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, along with a weightless feel, the Sea Glass switches would be an excellent option. Despite their medium bottom-out force, these switches offer a frictionless typing experience and produce a uniquely hollow sound signature.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Grapefruit and Durock Sea Glass switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prefer a softer or weightless typing experience and whether you prefer a low-pitched or dry sound profile. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your typing preferences.
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