KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you might find yourself torn between the KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch. The KTT Grapefruit switches are renowned for their unique qualities, showcasing a soft and light feel, along with a distinctive low-pitched yet neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. One of the standout features of the Silent Brown switches is their muted sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Silent Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, which provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing lighting effect. Therefore, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the KTT Grapefruit or the TTC Silent Brown switches.
However, the bottom housing of these switches differs, with the Grapefruit featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Brown using the same material. Nylon is described as a classic switch housing material that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom housing of the Grapefruit switch will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Silent Brown's bottom housing will contribute to a similar sound profile.
In summary, the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Silent Brown switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharp and resonant sound profile while also providing an excellent medium for RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in terms of their bottom housing, with the Grapefruit utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Brown also uses nylon for a similar effect. The choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference for the desired sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively light touch is required to trigger a keystroke. This makes them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a distinction. The Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a slight resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in comparison. This heavier force may appeal to users who desire a stronger push feel and a more pronounced typing response. So while both switches share a similar actuation force, their bottom out forces differ, allowing users to choose between a medium-light or medium-heavy typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Silent Brown a potential choice for this purpose. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke may prefer the Grapefruit with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 known for its soft and light feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel makes the Grapefruit switch a favorite among users who appreciate a sleek and fluid keystroke experience.
In terms of sound, the Grapefruit switch has a "baritone" though not yet "bass" deep sound profile. It is described as low-pitched, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and for use at home or work. It's important to note that the actual sound of the switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It features a satisfying rounded tactile bump, providing feedback to users as they press the keys. The Silent Brown switch has a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Grapefruit, the Silent Brown also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In terms of sound, the Silent Brown switch is known for its muted profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This muted sound makes it a popular choice for those seeking a more subtle typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. As with the Grapefruit, the actual sound of the Silent Brown switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch provides a soft and light feel, with a low-pitched sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, showcasing a buttery and mild feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you are looking for a similar experience in terms of feel, the polished finish of both switches ensures a sleek and refined typing experience. Similarly, if you prefer a quieter sound profile, both switches offer a muted sound option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're in search of a soft and light linear switch with a unique sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit is a great option. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light actuation force. The Grapefruit switch provides a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a satisfying rounded bump and a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience and have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Grapefruit and Silent Brown switches will depend on your preferences for sound and feel.
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