KTT Grapefruit vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Violet offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that provides a soft and light feel, accompanied by a low-pitched yet polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Grapefruit is best for those who prefer a linear switch with a soft touch, the Violet is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Violet switches share many similarities, as they both use polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing, giving users a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to the switches, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite their similarities in the top housing material, the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Violet switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Grapefruit featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Violet utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom. Nylon bottom housings are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to their softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, giving a distinct typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. While the Violet offers consistency in using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing, the Grapefruit provides a unique blend of materials that affect the overall sound and feel of the switch during use.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. Both the KTT Grapefruit and Jerrzi Violet switches showcase the importance of selecting the right materials for the top and bottom housings to achieve the desired typing experience. While both switches benefit from the crisp sound profile provided by polycarbonate top housings, the use of nylon for the Grapefruit's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound that sets it apart from the Violet. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance allows users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Violet, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Grapefruit is considered medium-light in terms of force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer usage periods. On the other hand, the Violet's force profile is unknown, so it is difficult to compare directly in terms of weight. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but are slightly on the shorter side compared to some other switches on the market. Gamers may find the shorter travel distance of the Violet switch preferable for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Grapefruit switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
Based on the descriptions provided, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched, baritone sound profile with a neutral feel that is described as polished. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature and a stepped feel, offering a smooth actuation and poppy tactility. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience suitable for a variety of users and purposes.
If you are looking for a switch with a deeper and more bass-heavy sound profile, the Grapefruit switch would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a more distinct tactile feedback and a two-stage feel, the Violet switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Grapefruit and Violet switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound with a polished feel, the Grapefruit may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with an unknown bottom out force and a pleasingly poppy tactility accompanied by a neutral sound signature and a stepped feel, the Violet switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.