KTT Grapefruit vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference. The KTT Grapefruit and the Huano Strawberry Latte are two popular linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Grapefruit is celebrated for its soft and light tactile feel, producing a low-pitched, polished sound that offers a subtle auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. This makes it an appealing option for users who appreciate a gentler touch during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte stands out with its super smooth operation and a balanced sound profile—offering a satisfying middle ground that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte an attractive choice for users who desire a seamless keystroke experience without sacrificing auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which leads to distinct auditory experiences. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, allowing for an aesthetic appeal that complements illumination. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. While POK does provide a smooth typing experience, it contributes to a different sound profile characterized by a clacky tone. The slight increase in friction compared to polycarbonate may introduce a different tactile sensation, resulting in contrasting auditory responses when the keys are engaged.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material delivers deeper and fuller sound profiles due to its softer nature. When typing on either the Grapefruit or the Strawberry Latte, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a duller, rounder auditory result. This establishes an interesting balance between the top and bottom housings, with the nylon's sound-dampening properties working in conjunction with the unique qualities of each top housing material. Although the top housings present varying sound characteristics, both switches will produce a rich and reliable acoustic experience thanks to their identical nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the KTT Grapefruit and Huano Strawberry Latte offers users unique yet complementary experiences. The contrasting top housing materials (polycarbonate for Grapefruit and POK for Strawberry Latte) create distinctive auditory profiles that play a significant role during key release, while both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of the nylon base. As a result, although the sound profiles differ due to the top housing materials, the overall typing experience is elevated by the consistent and dependable sound dampening provided by nylon. Thus, enthusiasts will appreciate the individual charm of each switch while enjoying the foundational acoustic characteristics that both models share.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as medium-light in terms of weight. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte switch features an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Strawberry Latte will require less effort to trigger a keystroke, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Grapefruit’s heavier forces provide a more substantial push sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be more suitable, while the KTT Grapefruit would cater to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Grapefruit boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte registers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Grapefruit provides a deeper press, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte’s shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker actuation and responsiveness, making it a popular choice among gamers who aim for faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers more depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Grapefruit is the way to go, while the Huano Strawberry Latte would be ideal for those favoring rapid inputs and agility.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch distinctly features a low-pitched tone that leans towards the mellow side, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming resonance. This "baritone" quality gives the switches a richer auditory character, while maintaining a neutrality that makes them versatile for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile; it avoids being too quiet or overly resonant, providing a pleasant auditory experience without drawing too much attention. This balance makes it suitable for various contexts, ensuring that the sound remains unobtrusive yet satisfying.
When it comes to feel, the Grapefruit switches shine with their polished texture, which results in a smooth, refined typing experience. The softness and lightness of these switches contribute to a sleek key travel that users often find enjoyable, thanks to reduced friction from high-quality materials or factory lubing. In contrast, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches is not specifically described; hence, their tactile characteristics are currently unknown. However, given that both are linear switches, one can infer that they may share a similar fluidity in key travel despite the lack of detailed feedback.
In summary, both the KTT Grapefruit and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Grapefruit’s low-pitched sound and polished feel deliver a distinct auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile that maintains a satisfying, yet undefined, typing sensation. Ultimately, if you seek an enjoyable typing experience with sweet sound and smooth actuation, both switches will serve you well, albeit with their individual characteristics that may appeal to different users.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, you should consider both your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier feel and a rich, low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, might be the ideal choice for you. Its polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience, making it suitable for both leisurely typing and intensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter switch that offers quick actuation with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be well-suited for rapid key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or for those who type extensively throughout the day. This switch provides a balanced sound profile that avoids being overwhelmingly quiet or too resonant, ensuring a pleasant experience in shared workspaces. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you desire a bit more resistance and depth with the Grapefruit or a lighter, quicker response with the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so reflect on your specific needs before making your final choice.
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