KTT Grapefruit vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

The KTT Grapefruit and KTT Strawberry are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Grapefruit is best known for its tarty linear switches that provide a soft and light type feel. With a "baritone" sound profile, it offers a low-pitched, neutral, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry is loved for its delectable design, featuring attractive pink and clear housings. These switches offer a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, ensuring reliable performance. Categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, the Strawberry switch offers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$3.41 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the KTT Grapefruit and KTT Strawberry feature polycarbonate top housings, which share similar characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create a visually appealing effect.

While the top housings of the Grapefruit and Strawberry are the same, their bottom housings differ. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. On the other hand, the Strawberry incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics to its top housing. This material's relative stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile.

When using switches with different top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the sound produced when pressing down a key. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Grapefruit switch is 45 grams, while the Strawberry switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light range, allowing for a relatively effortless keystroke activation. In terms of bottom out force, the Grapefruit switch requires 53 grams of force, creating a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Grapefruit would be a suitable choice, while the Strawberry would be more suited for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience, with a travel distance that allows for comfortable typing or gaming sessions. Whether using the Grapefruit or the Strawberry switch, users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide identical results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Grapefruit and Strawberry switches offer a low-pitched profile, which means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Grapefruit switches, however, also have a slightly baritone sound, though not yet reaching the deep bass levels. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, you can expect a similar low-pitched sound from both switches, providing a pleasing auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This polished surface reduces friction, resulting in smooth key travel and a polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches offer a range of descriptors for their feel, including frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These characteristics indicate that the Strawberry switches provide an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering a fluid key travel. The combination of these qualities ensures that both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Strawberry switches providing a wider range of smoothness options.

Considering all the available information, both the KTT Grapefruit and Strawberry switches offer subjective qualities that make them highly appealing in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Grapefruit switches showcase a soft and light type feel and a "baritone" sound profile, the Strawberry switches provide smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, though the Strawberry switches have a greater variety of smoothness options. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a delightful typing experience with both switches, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable time at the keyboard.

Conclusion

To wrap up, there are a few key considerations when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch. First, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Grapefruit with its 53 grams would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel, the Strawberry with its 62 grams bottom out force would be more suitable.

In terms of sound, both switches offer a low-pitched profile, which gives them a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This can provide a pleasant sound experience during typing sessions.

When it comes to feel, the Grapefruit is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a range of descriptors including frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, your choice between the Grapefruit and Strawberry switches will depend on your personal preferences. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and it's important to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that best suits your needs and ensures an enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more