KTT Grapefruit vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Grapefruit is best known for its soft and light feel, providing a smooth typing experience, and it has a unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to your typing, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While these general descriptions give an idea of what to expect, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Grapefruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better light transmission. Additionally, aesthetically speaking, a switch with a clear housing is more likely to be polycarbonate. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound quality and compatibility with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Grapefruit and the Viola Tricolor differ in their material choice. The Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the main distinction between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit leads to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor exhibits a similar sound characteristic. It is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it becomes apparent that these switches differ in terms of weight. The Grapefruit switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch does not provide available information regarding its actuation force, but it has a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, qualifying it as a medium-heavy switch.
Considering the weight of these switches, it is clear that the Grapefruit switch is relatively lighter overall. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more nimble typing experience, enabling them to type for extended periods without fatigue. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a heavier push feel due to its higher bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a greater tactile feedback and resistance while typing. Individuals who prefer a switch with a stronger force may find this option more satisfying for their typing needs.
While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor switch is not provided, it is worth mentioning that achieving similar results in terms of typing experience to the Grapefruit switch may be possible if the actuation forces of both switches are relatively similar. However, without specific information, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a lighter overall weight with a medium-light actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a medium-heavy bottom out force without specified information regarding its actuation force. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing experience, with the Grapefruit switch being lighter and the Viola Tricolor switch offering a more substantial tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being the more common choice. However, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Grapefruit a popular option for this group. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Viola Tricolor and its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a unique "baritone" sound profile that is not quite as deep or bass-heavy as some other switches. It falls more towards the low-pitched range, providing a mellow and pleasant tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bassy undertone. Similar to the Grapefruit, it also falls within the low-pitched range, but it offers a deeper and richer sound compared to the Grapefruit. Both switches provide enjoyable sound profiles, with the Grapefruit offering a softer, more subdued tone, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a more pronounced and character-filled sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch provides a soft and light typing experience. The switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. This creates a sleek and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience. It provides pronounced feedback and has a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. The switch is described as accented, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Overall, the Grapefruit switch offers a polished and refined feel, while the Viola Tricolor switch provides an invigorating and tactile experience.
Considering the available information, we can conclude that both the KTT Grapefruit and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing options for different preferences. The Grapefruit switch excels in providing a soft and light feel with a baritone sound profile. It is suitable for those who prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that adds a touch of character to typing. It strikes a balance between providing satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. Both switches offer enjoyable experiences and can be selected based on personal preference and use-case scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
The Grapefruit switch is best known for its soft and light feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light touch. Its sound profile is described as low-pitched and neutral, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. If you prefer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Grapefruit switch is a versatile choice suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is specifically designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a medium-heavy touch. The Viola Tricolor switch strikes a perfect balance, providing a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. Its sound profile is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound reminiscent of bass tones. The Viola Tricolor switch also offers an invigorating typing sensation, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Grapefruit and Viola Tricolor switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit switch is a solid option. However, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility and an invigorating typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor switch is the way to go. Consider your desired typing experience and the sound profile that resonates with you the most to make an informed decision. In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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