KTT Grapefruit vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Taichi present two distinct options for users seeking a linear feel. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its soft and light typing experience, paired with a unique low-pitched sound profile that strikes a balance between neutrality and polish, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a gentle touch and subtle auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi stands out with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, providing an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke for gamers and typists alike. While both switches cater to users looking for a linear switch experience, their differing sound profiles and tactile sensations offer distinct advantages that can enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

Bsun Taichi Linear

$3.41 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Taichi both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in similar sound characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it not only a practical choice for acoustics but also an aesthetically pleasing option, especially for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. Given that both switches share this housing material, users can expect comparable audio feedback and visual effects when utilizing either the Grapefruit or the Taichi in a keyboard setup.

Contrarily, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which significantly affects the acoustic experience differently compared to the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is recognized for its softer, more forgiving structure, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a contrasting auditory experience to that produced by the polycarbonate top. Thus, when engaged, the Grapefruit and Taichi exhibit a balanced combination of the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing and the roundness offered by the nylon bottom, thereby ensuring that the overall typing experience is enriched yet distinct.

When comparing the two switches, it's important to note how the combination of materials can lead to an ideal typing experience by leveraging the properties of both the top and bottom housings. While the polycarbonate top lends clarity and brightness to the sound produced when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the impact of bottoming out generates a warmer, more rounded tone. This balance between materials allows users of both the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Taichi to experience a multifaceted auditory profile, accentuating the best qualities of each housing component effectively.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the differences in actuation force are noticeable, while the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown. The Grapefruit features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the lighter actuation force of 40 grams for the Taichi. This gives typists and gamers who prefer a less strenuous push a more comfortable experience with the Taichi switch, ideal for extended use. Conversely, the Grapefruit switch's bottom out force is recorded at 53 grams, which indicates a firmer feeling when bottoming out. Since the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, we cannot directly compare that aspect. However, if the Taichi does have a bottom out force, it would likely lend insight into whether it maintains a light or heavy feel overall. Given these details, those seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Taichi, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might prefer the somewhat heavier Grapefruit.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it's clear that the Grapefruit offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, but the trend of shorter distances caters to gamers who seek faster response times. As such, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those prioritizing quick actions, while the Grapefruit's 4 mm travel distance might be favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced feel with deeper key presses. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch produces a unique sound profile characterized by a low-pitched tone that leans toward a baritone quality, providing a mellow auditory experience while typing. This sound is complemented by a neutral aspect, making the Grapefruit switches versatile for various environments, whether it's at home or in a professional setting. In comparison, the Bsun Taichi linear switch has an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can evoke a more lively and dynamic typing experience. The high-pitched sound of the Taichi is influenced by its long-pole stem and extended springs, which may lead to a different auditory signature when bottoming out.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are noted for their soft and light touch, delivering a polished and refined typing sensation. This results from either the materials utilized or factory lubing processes, resulting in a consistently smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Taichi linear switch is still unknown; however, the emphasis on its long-pole stem and stability features suggests it could provide a unique tactile experience that differs from the Grapefruit.

In conclusion, while the Grapefruit offers a smooth and polished typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Taichi provides a more vibrant auditory component, albeit with an unspecified feel. For those who desire a combination of smooth actuation and good sound, both switches can serve well, but the choice will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Taichi linear switches hinges largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the KTT Grapefruit switches may be your best option. Their soft feel and low-pitched baritone sound profile make them ideal for both quiet workspaces and casual typing sessions without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the enchanting sound of high-pitched bottom outs and desire a switch that offers a unique auditory feedback coupled with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi would be suitable for you. While the Taichi doesn’t have a specified bottom-out force, its long-pole stem and extended springs provide a distinctive feel and sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. Essentially, select the Grapefruit for its balanced charm and versatility, or opt for the Taichi to elevate your typing experience with its unique sound and playfulness.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more