KTT Grapefruit vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Grapefruit switch is known for its unique characteristics, offering a soft and light type feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a bouncy feel and a balance of spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch is enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for those interested in customizable lighting effects.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Grapefruit incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the characteristics of the top housing. The Tourmaline Blue benefits from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out the key.
When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Grapefruit, the nylon bottom housing imparts a deeper and fuller sound while the Tourmaline Blue benefits from the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Both switches, with their polycarbonate top housing, offer similar results in terms of the sound and feel experienced when letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a deeper and fuller sound (Grapefruit) or a sharper and crisper sound (Tourmaline Blue).
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are notable differences between the two. Starting with the actuation force, the Grapefruit requires 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue demands a higher force of 59 grams. This indicates that the Grapefruit is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it a potential choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is 53 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. In this aspect as well, the Grapefruit proves to be the lighter option.
For individuals who value a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming, the Grapefruit's lighter actuation force might be a more suitable choice. This would enable users to type for extended periods of time without experiencing as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, might lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more robust and tactile typing experience.
Although the forces required for actuation and bottoming out differ between the two switches, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium category in terms of force. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and texture. Ultimately, the decision between the Grapefruit and the Tourmaline Blue depends on an individual's preference for lighter or heavier typing forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down, determining the feeling of key-press. In the case of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing users with a consistent experience across these two keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that leans more towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This provides a pleasant and relaxed auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it offers a versatile sound suitable for various typing scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. While both switches have a neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit has a deeper tone, while the Tourmaline Blue is described as deep and thocky, providing a more immersive and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This indicates that the switch has a sleek finish, enhancing the overall feel of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is also easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but the Tourmaline Blue switch offers additional qualities such as an easy-to-press feature.
Based on the available information, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a soft and light feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile. It provides a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a bouncy feel with a lengthened single-stage spring and a neutral sound profile. It provides a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences with their unique characteristics. If you are looking for a softer and lighter feel with a bass-heavy sound profile, the Grapefruit switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a bouncier feel, a thocky sound profile, and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be an excellent option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a soft and light typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is a great choice for you. These switches are known for their unique "baritone" sound profile and polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The Grapefruit switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. These switches feature a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. They are described as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a seamless and low-impact typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as desired sound profile, bottom out force, and typing feel when making your decision. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your needs and preferences the best.
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