KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches catering to distinct user preferences. The KTT Grapefruit stands out for its soft and light tactile feel, complemented by a neutral and polished sound profile that strikes a balance between subtlety and character. Its low-pitched sound provides a satisfying experience for typists who value a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is geared towards gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire keystrokes that can enhance gaming performance. Its bright and clacky sound profile, combined with a remarkably smooth push feel, makes it an appealing choice for those who thrive on quick responses and dynamic sound feedback while gaming. Both switches have unique strengths, catering to different preferences and usage scenarios. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing both visual appeal and sound clarity. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing that yields a noticeably deeper and fuller auditory output. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and mellower profile. Consequently, users can expect quite different tactile and auditory experiences when pressing the keys on these two switches.
Both the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Vintage Citrus share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that both switches will deliver that classic deeper, fuller sound profile when bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing, being softer, confers sound absorption characteristics, moderating the sharper, more resonant impact of the top housing in the Grapefruit. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material and resulting sound profile, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistency in the bottom-out experience. This design choice fortifies a sense of harmony in sound delivery when the key is fully depressed, irrespective of the variation in their top housings.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the KTT Grapefruit and the Nylon top and bottom in the HMX Vintage Citrus illustrates the nuanced interplay of housing materials in switch design. This contrast results in distinctive auditory experiences, with the Grapefruit producing a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Vintage Citrus delivers a rounded warmth from its nylon top. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain certain sound characteristics, providing users with a familiar bottom-out feel. Therefore, while the overall experience of typing may vary between these two switches, they still promise reliable functionality and sound dampening due to their shared design elements.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a compelling comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the Vintage Citrus may offer a marginally more substantial feel when pressed, both switches ultimately achieve the same tactile response at full depression. For users who favor a lighter typing experience, the Grapefruit is the better choice due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, those who appreciate a firmer push may find the Vintage Citrus more satisfying for a more pronounced keystroke feel. Despite their differences in actuation force, both switches remain in the medium-light category, making them versatile options for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it's clear that the Grapefruit offers a deeper press at 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus boasts a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm is favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, providing a satisfying depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the 3.0 mm travel distance of the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers and users seeking quick responsiveness, allowing for faster actuation and potentially reducing reaction times. Consequently, if you prioritize rapid response and a lighter touch, the Vintage Citrus is the preferable choice. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the Grapefruit is likely the better fit. Overall, the Grapefruit's longer travel distance may feel more robust, while the Vintage Citrus can be seen as more agile, adapting to the preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, the Grapefruit features a low-pitched, mellow tone that leans towards a "baritone" quality. This sound is characterized by its subdued nature, offering a pleasant auditory feedback that is not overwhelming, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed to produce a bright, clacky sound, which serves to cater to gamers who often prefer a sharper auditory response to their key presses. This distinction in sound profiles indicates that while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the Grapefruit is more laid-back, whereas the Vintage Citrus lends itself to a more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Grapefruit switch excels with its polished smoothness, allowing for a comfortable and refined typing experience. The combination of quality materials and potential factory lubrication significantly reduces friction, resulting in effortless key travel. This smooth feel can greatly enhance the typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is marked by its exceptionally low actuation force, claiming to be as light as 1mm. This feature promotes rapid key presses, making it particularly advantageous for gamers looking for immediate response times. While the exact tactile characteristics of the Vintage Citrus aren't elaborated upon, its low actuation is likely to provide a distinctly different sensation compared to the polished smoothness of the Grapefruit.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Grapefruit stands out with its low-pitched, mellow sound and polished feel, making it suitable for a more general typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus provides a bright, clacky sound and a rapid actuation designed for competitive gaming. While both switches cater to different needs, switching between them can yield varied experiences in sound and feel, ensuring that users find the right switch to match their personal typing or gaming style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences in typing or gaming experiences. If you prefer a more balanced and muted sound profile with a polished feel, the Grapefruit switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation offers a pleasant typing experience that's suitable for both work and leisure, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, if you're focused on rapid-fire gaming and need a switch that facilitates quick, responsive inputs, the Vintage Citrus is designed for that purpose. With its low actuation force and bright, clacky sound, it provides a dynamic and engaging experience ideal for competitive gaming. Ultimately, assess whether you value a smooth typing feel and a subtler sound or if you require speed and a more pronounced auditory feedback during your gaming sessions, and choose accordingly.
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