KTT Grapefruit vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as popular options in the market. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch, known for its soft and light feel, along with a unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch, offering a medium tactility and a fairly light touch, making it a great option for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the Grapefruit excels in providing a smooth linear feel, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its tactile feedback. 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonant properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for aesthetic purposes. However, the differences may lie in the bottom housing material, with the Grapefruit using nylon and the Violet Gold Pro also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Since nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, both switches will provide a unique typing experience based on their bottom housing material.
In terms of sound and feel, the differences in housing materials between the Grapefruit and the Violet Gold Pro may result in distinctive typing experiences. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing will also contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the contrast in their bottom housing material may lead to subtle variations in their overall typing feel.
Overall, both the KTT Grapefruit and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profiles, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Violet Gold Pro's similar nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This makes the Grapefruit switch slightly heavier than the Violet Gold Pro in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering a keystroke. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are preferred for long typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit being slightly on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the Violet Gold Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Grapefruit due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, providing a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Grapefruit switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch is labeled as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two stages of feedback, offering a more mild tactile bump compared to hyper-tactile switches.
Overall, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile experience. Depending on personal preference for sound depth and tactile feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can find the right fit based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Grapefruit linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth linear switch with a unique sound profile, the Grapefruit may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced typing experience and a light touch, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound profile, and switch feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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