KTT Grapefruit vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Tomcat switches. The KTT Grapefruit switches are celebrated for their unique combination of a soft and light feel, making them ideal for users who prefer a gentle typing experience. With their "baritone" sound profile, they offer a subtle auditory feedback that strikes a balance between being present and not too intrusive. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches are known for their super smooth typing experience, thanks to the Ly stems, which ensure a fluid keystroke without any hitches. Their resonant sound adds a satisfying element, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response as they type. While both switches cater to different preferences—softness and lightness for the Grapefruit versus smoothness and resonance for the Tomcat—each has its own merits. 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 Tomcat Linear

$3.41 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Tomcat switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to noteworthy similarities in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This inherent characteristic makes both switches acoustically comparable; users can expect a resonant sound quality when pressing the keys of either switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal in contexts where RGB lighting is involved, providing vibrant illumination that adds to the overall visual experience. Thus, for anyone looking for clarity and brightness in sound as well as lighting, both switches deliver similar results.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Grapefruit and the Bsun Tomcat is made from nylon, a material known for its softer nature and ability to absorb sound. This inherent softness allows nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more rounded acoustic experience. While the top housing produces the sharpness, the nylon bottom housing balances out the sound, creating a rich auditory environment when typing. The deeper sounds produced by nylon contribute significantly to the bottom-out feel of the keys, while the firmer polycarbonate top captures the release sound, enhancing the typing experience overall. Therefore, while they share similarities in their top housing, the nylon bottom housing adds another layer of complexity to the tonal characteristics of both switches.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches exemplifies how the design influences sound and feel during use. With polycarbonate on top enhancing clarity and brightness and nylon at the bottom providing warmth and depth, the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Tomcat switches showcase a well-balanced acoustic signature. While users can expect similar sharpness from the polycarbonate tops, it is the distinctive qualities of the nylon bottoms that create unique tactile feedback between the two models. Consequently, depending on user preferences for sound characteristics and acoustics, one might choose either switch, knowing that both have strengths derived from their respective materials.

Weight

The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both at 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, the bottom out forces present a slight distinction: the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tomcat's is marginally heavier at 54 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate a keystroke, the Tomcat provides a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them favorable for users who enjoy a balance between comfort and responsiveness, although the Tomcat's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The KTT Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Grapefruit the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to gamers or those seeking faster response times, delivering a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your key presses, the KTT Grapefruit would be the ideal choice, while the Bsun Tomcat is better suited for those who value speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Grapefruit and Bsun Tomcat switches, the Grapefruit is known for its low-pitched, baritone tone, which offers a mellow and pleasant auditory experience without reaching deep bass levels. This low-pitched sound is complemented by a neutral profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Tomcat switches are not as thoroughly elaborated, it is noted that they produce a resonant sound profile. This suggests that the Tomcat may provide a fuller auditory experience, but without additional details, it's challenging to draw definitive conclusions about their sound compared to the Grapefruit.

In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch stands out with its polished texture, giving users a smooth and refined typing experience. This polish can result from high-quality materials and/or factory lubrication, both of which help to minimize friction during key presses, leading to a fluid typing action. The Tomcat switches, however, do not have detailed descriptions available regarding their feel, leaving their tactile experience relatively unknown. This lack of information makes it difficult to compare them directly to the Grapefruit in terms of how they feel while typing.

Overall, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is well-documented with its soft, polished feel and low-pitched resonant sound, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch presents an intriguing alternative with its mention of a resonant sound profile but lacks concrete details on its tactile characteristics. If you prefer the characteristics of smoother and quieter typing, the Grapefruit switches will likely provide a satisfactory experience. However, the unique qualities of the Tomcat switches could offer a different yet potentially complimentary typing experience, contingent upon user preference in tactile feedback and sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch comes down to your personal preferences in both feel and sound profile. If you prefer a writing experience that leans towards a soft and light touch with a low-pitched sound, then the Grapefruit switch might be your best bet. Its polished design ensures that you'll enjoy a refined, smooth keypress that's especially satisfying for long typing sessions, making them well-suited for both casual and professional use. On the other hand, if you're after a super smooth typing experience and appreciate a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat should be your go-to choice. Even though the bottom-out force is slightly higher, its smooth action can add enjoyment to your typing, particularly if you value sound resonance in your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches deliver a medium-light feel, but your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the Grapefruit’s light and polished characteristics or the Tomcat’s silky smooth action and resonant sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more