KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Bluish White are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Grapefruit switches are well-known for their soft and light linear feel, providing a smooth typing experience. These switches have a distinctive "baritone" sound profile, offering a pleasant auditory experience without being too deep or bass-heavy. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for use in office or shared living spaces. Despite their medium tactility, they generate a muted and subtle sound. While these general pointers may help guide you towards the switch that suits your needs, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Bluish White both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate's translucency is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Aesthetically, both switches offer a clear housing due to the use of polycarbonate. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal from both the Grapefruit and Silent Bluish White switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and Silent Bluish White employ nylon. This choice of material enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound when pressed down. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience in a comparable manner for both the Grapefruit and Silent Bluish White.
It's noteworthy that if a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with each material will be divided between the two parts of the switch. When pressing down on either the Grapefruit or Silent Bluish White, the user will primarily feel the influence of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound profile when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, even though the materials may be different for the top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of both switches remain similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, some notable differences arise. The Grapefruit has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is also higher at 53 grams, while the Silent Bluish White has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-lightweight range, but the Grapefruit is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering weight, it is crucial for individuals to determine their preferences based on their typing habits and desired experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Bluish White switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and potentially faster typing. This lighter touch may be particularly beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing experience might lean towards the Grapefruit switch. Its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces can provide a more satisfying push feel, allowing typists to feel each keystroke with a bit more weight behind it.
In terms of similarities, both switches are fairly close in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The differences between 45 and 42 grams for actuation force and 53 and 50 grams for bottom out force are not substantial, and individuals using either of these switches can expect similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes it a more shallow option.
The shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm in the Silent Bluish White switch can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize faster response times. With a shorter travel distance, the actuation point is reached more quickly, allowing for quicker keystrokes. This can be particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel too abrupt for some individuals. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial and rounded feel, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance of 4 mm may be more suitable. This extra depth can provide a satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a more hearty keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Grapefruit and the Silent Bluish White switches differ in their travel distances, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Whether you prioritize faster response times or a more substantial keystroke experience, both switches offer their own unique advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 is best known for its soft and light feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The sound profile of the Grapefruit is described as "baritone" and "not yet bass deep," giving it a low-pitched and mellow tone. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in a variety of settings such as home or work.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. The keystroke experience of these switches is described as buttery, delivering a smooth and fluid typing sensation. The Silent Bluish White switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use.
In terms of sound, the Grapefruit produces a low-pitched tone with a bass-heavy and mellow character. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White switches produce a muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes them ideal for minimizing noise in office or shared environments.
In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch is polished and offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a buttery and mild keystroke experience. It offers a gentle resistance without being overly pronounced, creating a safe and approachable typing feel. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This adds a slight tactile element to the typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit has a low-pitched, mellow sound profile and a polished, smooth feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch produces a muted sound and offers a buttery and mild keystroke experience. Both switches are suitable for different preferences and purposes. However, if you are looking for similar results, the Silent Bluish White switch can provide a comparable experience to the Grapefruit in terms of a quiet and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a soft and light feel, along with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They also have a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a precise and comfortable typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White would be a better fit. These switches have a light bottom out force and a muted sound profile, making them perfect for quiet environments. They offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with a subtle and stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Bluish White comes down to your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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