KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

The KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the category of linear switches. The Grapefruit switches are best known for their soft and light type feel, along with a unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are praised for their buttery smooth typing experience achieved through KTT's dry-lube design and progressive spring. While both switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit switches are described as polished, while the Sea Salt Lemon switches are categorized as mild. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$3.41 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are almost identical. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This similarity ensures that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound and RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This feature contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon bottom housings. Thus, while the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities they bring to the switches ensure a balanced and satisfying typing experience.

The main difference between the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon lies in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon also features a bottom housing made of nylon. The usage of nylon in switch housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Due to its relatively softer plastic composition, nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a similar deep and resonant typing experience that is accompanied by a satisfying sound and feel thanks to the nylon bottom housing.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing material in the top and bottom of the switch plays a significant role. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing is more influential on the sound when the key is released, resulting in a crisper and more distinct sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing offers the same impact on the sound upon key release. However, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound when pressing down on the keys.

In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile and is ideal for RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the top housing has more impact on the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, benefiting from a sharp, higher-pitched sound and a deep, resonant feel.

Weight

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have comparable actuation forces and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means that it requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.

Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Grapefruit or Sea Salt Lemon. A lighter switch allows for longer typing periods, which is ideal for those who use their keyboard for extended periods at work or during gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier forces.

In this case, both the Grapefruit and Sea Salt Lemon switches have the same actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and resistance when activating the keys or pressing them down completely. As both switches have a medium-light force, they provide a balance between ease of typing and a satisfying tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Whether you prefer the lively tanginess of grapefruit or the refreshing essence of sea salt lemon, you can rest assured that the travel distance experience will be identical with both switches. So, no matter which flavor you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes both switches suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches are expected to provide similar sound characteristics, offering a low-pitched and neutral sound experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as having a polished feel. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished surface, along with potential factory lubing, reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a mild feel. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The mild feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Grapefruit offering a polished and smooth feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more mild and gentle typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the KTT Grapefruit and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have their own unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch stands out with its special soft and light feel and a "baritone" deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch showcases a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While they have some differences in their feel and sound descriptors, both switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch with its polished feel and the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its mild feel offer distinct tactile experiences. Overall, if you are looking for a low-pitched and neutral sound switch, both the Grapefruit and Sea Salt Lemon switches can provide similar results, but for different tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light typing experience with a "baritone" sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a medium-light feel. The Grapefruit switches are known for their polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. In terms of sound, the Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be an excellent option if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches also have a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light feel. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are known for their mild characteristics, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In terms of sound, they have a low-pitched and neutral profile, similar to the Grapefruit switches. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches comes down to whether you prioritize a soft and light feel with a sleek finish or a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild profile.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

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KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more