KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, factors such as feel, sound, and typing experience play significant roles in user preference. The KTT Grapefruit switch stands out with its light and responsive feel, perfect for users who appreciate a soft touch while enjoying a pleasing "baritone" sound profile that adds depth to their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a whisper-quiet typing environment, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch is ideal for light typists who seek a serene and undisturbed workspace. Both switches cater to different typing needs and preferences—whether you choose the lively and expressive Grapefruit or the subtly tranquil Silent Sakura, your decision will ultimately shape your keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches showcase contrasting approaches to their audio profiles through the choice of materials for their top and bottom housings. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that can significantly enhance the clarity and resonance of keystrokes. This translucency also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts who want their key switches to shine through brightly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper, rounder audio experience, thanks to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. This distinction highlights a fundamental difference in sound characteristics, with the Grapefruit geared toward users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who favor a smoother, quieter typing experience.
When evaluating the bottom housings, the materials flip roles: the Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, reinforcing the deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice enhances the overall typing experience by contributing to a softer bottom-out sound when keys are pressed. On the flip side, the Silent Sakura - 43g transitions to a polycarbonate bottom housing, which sharpens the sound signature once again, offering a crisper bottom-out feedback. This interplay between their respective materials means that while both switches incorporate contrasting characteristics in their top and bottom housings, they will ultimately induce differences in sound and tactility that cater to different user preferences.
Ultimately, despite their differing materials, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with varying audio and tactile feedback. If one is seeking a balance in performance, one can achieve similar results by mixing and matching the housings, considering that the top and bottom materials impact different aspects of sound quality. The unique combination of different housing materials in each switch creates versatility in sound profiles, allowing users to select a switch that aligns beautifully with their typing style, whether they prefer a more resonant and pronounced experience or a fuller and more muted one.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Silent Sakura requires only 37 grams for actuation and bottoms out at 43 grams, characterizing it as a lighter switch. This distinction means that the Silent Sakura offers an easier typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged usage, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Grapefruit, being slightly heavier, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a satisfying resistance that some find enhances their typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Silent Sakura is the ideal choice, while the KTT Grapefruit may suit those who favor a bit more weight in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver comparable feel and performance during typing or gaming. As a result, whether you choose the Grapefruit or the Silent Sakura, you can enjoy a consistent and smooth keypress without any noticeable difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 sound profile of the KTT Grapefruit linear switches is characterized by a low-pitched, mellow tone that leans towards a baritone quality, offering a deep yet unobtrusive auditory experience. This makes them suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace, as they won't produce harsh noises that could disrupt concentration. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for an incredibly quiet operation, creating a typing sound likened to gentle raindrops. This whisper-quiet nature makes them exceptionally suitable for light typists and those in shared spaces who value a serene typing environment. While both switches emphasize a subdued auditory experience, the Grapefruit offers a richer low-pitched sound, while the Silent Sakura focuses on remaining virtually silent.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches provide a polished typing experience. The smooth and refined finish allows for effortless key travel and reduced friction, which is particularly enjoyable for typists who enjoy a light touch. This makes the Grapefruit feel especially responsive during typing sessions. The Silent Sakura - 43g switches, however, do not have specific descriptions of their tactile feedback, so their nuanced feel remains unknown. Given the light bottom-out force of 43g, they would likely provide a relatively gentle typing experience, but this aspect can't be defined without additional context.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to typists seeking a smooth, enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. The Grapefruit offers a rich, low-pitched auditory presence, while the Silent Sakura excels in producing a quiet environment. While the Grapefruit specializes in a polished feel, the specific tactile response of the Silent Sakura remains undefined but may still provide a lightweight touch. Ultimately, each switch has its merits and can deliver satisfying performance depending on your typing style and environment, allowing for a choice based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you enjoy a richer, deeper sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the Grapefruit's medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying balance of resistance and responsiveness, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming. Its polished feel ensures reduced friction while typing, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter keyboard suitable for shared workspaces or you simply prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g is your go-to option. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43-gram actuation force, it is well-suited for light typists wanting a serene typing atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value auditory feedback and a slightly firmer feel or prioritize silence and an ultra-light touch in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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