KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Grapefruit is praised for its soft and light feel, with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is not too bass-heavy. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Grapefruit is categorized as 'Polished', the Swift is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different users, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Swift both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. This is because nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, while both switches share this quality in their bottom housing, the Grapefruit distinguishes itself with a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it more resonant and clear. In contrast, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper sound but lacks the sharpness and clarity provided by polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the KTT Grapefruit stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which is translucent and ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing may not offer the same visual appeal but contributes to a consistent sound profile with its bottom housing. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing will ultimately come down to personal preferences in terms of sound and appearance. Additionally, the impact of each housing material on the overall feel and sound of the switch highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing when designing and selecting mechanical switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Swift play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles and tactile feedback of these mechanical switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the use of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit's top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile compared to the Swift's nylon top housing. The choice between these materials not only affects the sound but also influences the overall typing experience, making it essential for enthusiasts to consider the impact of both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a mechanical switch for their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The KTT Grapefruit has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, but both have relatively low bottom out forces of 53 grams and 50 grams respectively. This means that users can expect a lighter typing experience with both switches, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods of time. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, they may find the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches to be too light for their preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience each individual desires.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Swift. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being on the slightly longer end of the spectrum. Gamers might prefer the Swift for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's essential to consider the overall setup for the desired sound outcome.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and comfortable typing feel that enhances the overall user experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, featuring a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light and bouncy sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Swift linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch provides a softer and lighter feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Swift switch offers a silky smoothness with a deeper sound profile and easy-to-press actuation. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and depending on the user's preferences, they can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when opting for a mechanical keyboard switch, consider the KTT Grapefruit linear switch if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a soft and light typing experience with a tarty sound profile. These switches also provide a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Swift linear switch may be the better choice for you. These switches offer a deeper sound profile and a variety of descriptors such as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the level of force required, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your needs and preferences.
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