KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Grapefruit is best known for its tarty linear feel and soft touch, offering a unique sound profile that is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, and feather-light touch. While the Grapefruit may appeal to those looking for a softer typing experience, the Smoothie Silver is ideal for users seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that they differ in both top and bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also provides a deep and muted sound.
While the Grapefruit and the Smoothie Silver differ in their top housing materials, their bottom housing materials offer similar sound profiles. The differences in sound between the two switches can be attributed to the varying characteristics of polycarbonate and POM plastics in the top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches share a common characteristic in their nylon and POM bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the Grapefruit and the Smoothie Silver comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches feature a similar nylon and POM bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound profile in your typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Grapefruit slightly heavier in terms of force needed to fully press down the key. Some may prefer the Grapefruit for its slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force, while others may appreciate the lighter feel of the Smoothie Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has the shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer different options for users depending on their preferences, with the Grapefruit offering a slightly longer travel distance than the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's sound profile is not specified, but it is described as having a "thocky" sound, suggesting a deeper and more solid tone. In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Smoothie Silver's feel is not specified, but it is mentioned to offer unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. Overall, while the Grapefruit switch excels in providing a tarty feel with a baritone sound profile, the Smoothie Silver offers a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and smoothness. Depending on personal preference, both switches could deliver a satisfying typing experience, but users looking for a deeper sound profile and polished feel may lean towards the Grapefruit, while those valuing speed and smoothness may prefer the Smoothie Silver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a tarty linear switch with a soft and light feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Grapefruit may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider these factors to choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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