KTT Grapefruit vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a wide variety of options to choose from, each with their own unique features and qualities. Two popular linear switches in particular, the KTT Grapefruit and the TKC Tangerine, stand out among the rest. The KTT Grapefruit switches are best known for their tarty linear feel, providing a soft and light typing experience. These switches have a distinct "baritone" sound profile, although not quite as deep as a bass. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches take the typing experience to the next level with their incredibly smooth feel. This is partly attributed to the UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. Additionally, these switches produce a fairly high-pitched clack when typing. At a general level, both switches offer their own unique advantages. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Grapefruit boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing. While both materials provide unique sonic qualities, they offer different experiences when it comes to sound profile and overall aesthetic.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences become more apparent. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, another newer material that contributes to a bright sound signature. This material enhances the resonant clacks one can experience while typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings. Although both housing materials enhance the overall sound of the switches, the different properties of nylon and UHWMPE bring distinct qualities to the typing experience.
It's worth noting that when a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housing, the impact of each material is divided between the bottom-out sound and feel and the sound when releasing a key. Particularly, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This showcases how the unique qualities of housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, resulting in a dynamic and nuanced typing experience. Whether it's the Grapefruit's polycarbonate and nylon combination or the Tangerine's UHWMPE throughout, each switch offers its own distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of medium intensity. The Grapefruit requires 53 grams to bottom out, while the Tangerine requires a slightly heavier force of 62 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Grapefruit can be seen as lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tangerine, with its higher bottom out force, provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.
Although the exact actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, it can be inferred that it falls within a similar range to the Grapefruit due to both switches having a medium bottom out force. Therefore, if one desires a similar typing experience to the Grapefruit, but with a potentially heavier actuation force, the Tangerine could be a suitable alternative.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Grapefruit and Tangerine switches offer individuals the option to choose between a lighter or heavier feel, based on their personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch is also 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance, meaning that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar distance of movement. This ensures a consistent typing experience for users of both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound when typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a cleaner and crisper sound profile, the Tangerine switch would be the better choice. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, these two switches offer distinct sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as having a soft and light type feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This is attributed to the polished finish, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its incredibly smooth feel, offering frictionless and buttery keystrokes. The switch's fluid travel and polished finish contribute to a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Grapefruit switch may have a lighter touch compared to the Tangerine switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a soft and light type feel, while the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Grapefruit focusing on a bass-heavy sound and a refined feel, while the Tangerine emphasizes a crisp sound and frictionless keystrokes. If you are looking for similar results, such as smoothness, both switches should provide a pleasant typing experience, but with distinguishing sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a soft and light type feel, along with a "baritone" but not yet "bass" deep sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is an excellent choice. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. Additionally, the Grapefruit is known for its neutral sound profile and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that takes your typing experience to the next level, with an incredibly smooth feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium typing experience. The Tangerine switch stands out with its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Furthermore, the Tangerine has a frictionless and buttery feel, ensuring an effortless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and TKC Tangerine linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a softer feel and a more neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit is a great option. However, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth feel, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless typing experience, the Tangerine would be the better choice. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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