KTT Grapefruit vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Gateron Weightlessness represent two distinct approaches to typing experiences. The KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, is celebrated for its soft and light feel, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that many users find ideal for fast-paced gaming and long typing sessions. Its unique "baritone" sound profile, while not overly deep, adds a pleasant auditory element to the tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile switch experience that incorporates a subtle to moderate bump with each keystroke, catering to those who appreciate a pronounced feedback while typing. This switch combines its tactile characteristics with a balanced sound profile, making it a popular choice for typists who seek a more engaged connection to their keystrokes. Both switches have their own merits, with the Grapefruit excelling in smoothness and the Weightlessness shining in tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Weightlessness exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their sound characteristics. The KTT Grapefruit's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucence, which supports a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This type of housing resonates more clearly due to its stiffer nature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a crisp auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, known for its softer composition, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and attenuating higher frequencies. Therefore, the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, with the Grapefruit delivering a brighter sound compared to the Weightlessness's warmer tones.
When examining the bottom housings, an intriguing similarity can be observed: both the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Weightlessness deploy nylon for their lower housings. This ensures that both switches will exhibit a rounder and softer character, as nylon tends to dampen sound and results in a deeper auditory quality overall. Consequently, whether typing on the Grapefruit or the Weightlessness, users can expect a consistent experience in the bottoming-out sound and feel due to the common use of nylon. However, since the impact of the bottom housing is felt more acutely during key presses, the overall sound profile will still reflect the distinct qualities of each switch's top housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the KTT Grapefruit and the Gateron Weightlessness presents an interesting dynamic. While the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, resonant sound typical of materials designed for brightness, the Weightlessness compensates with a more muted top end due to its nylon construction. The presence of nylon in both bottom housings assures a consistent richness to the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of both materials in shaping the final sound and tactile feedback of the switches. Thus, the nuances between the two switches stem from their differing top housings, while their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall typing signature, resulting in a distinctive yet cohesive performance.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces, impacting user experience during typing or gaming. The Grapefruit switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the Weightlessness switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams, resulting in a slightly heavier feel. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions might find the Grapefruit more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Weightlessness. However, the Gateron Weightlessness lacks a specified bottom out force, which means we cannot directly compare this aspect with the Grapefruit's bottom out force of 53 grams. Consequently, while the Grapefruit provides a clearer sense of resistance at both actuation and bottom out stages, the unknown bottom out force of the Weightlessness leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a discernible difference to note. The Grapefruit boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience a more substantial depth with the Grapefruit switch compared to the more responsive yet less profound feel of the Weightlessness. Gamers may favor the Weightlessness for its swifter actuation, providing quicker response times, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key press might opt for the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches are characterized by a low-pitched, baritone tone that yields a mellow auditory experience, setting them apart from higher-pitched options. Their neutral sound profile allows them to fit a variety of environments, whether at home or in a workspace, making them versatile for both beginners and advanced users. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches do not have a detailed sound profile mentioned, leaving an aspect of their acoustic characteristics unknown. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, such as the choice of the board and keycaps, which will influence the final auditory feedback of both switches.
In terms of feel, KTT Grapefruit switches provide a soft and light typing sensation, characterized by a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined experience. This results in reduced friction and an effortless key travel that many users crave for a comfortable typing session. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches, on the other hand, are noted for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback; however, further details about their specific feel aren’t provided. This leaves a gap in directly comparing their tactile engagement to the lightness and smoothness of the Grapefruit switches.
In conclusion, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switches offer a low-pitched sound and a smoothly polished feel, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches bring subtle tactile feedback with an unspecified sound profile. For users looking to experiment, it’s evident that both switches could deliver a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with different focuses: the Grapefruit leaning towards a soft, silent type feel, and the Weightlessness suggesting a more tactile interaction. Each switch has its own unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you find yourself drawn to a lighter touch and a smoother keypress, the Grapefruit switch would be an excellent choice. Its polished feel, medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, and low-pitched, muted sound make it great for both typing and gaming without causing fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a subtle bump during your key presses, the Weightlessness switch might suit you better. Its moderate tactile feel is perfect for those who enjoy a sensation of feedback while typing, enhancing the overall experience without being overly pronounced or noisy. Ultimately, if you're looking for a smooth and soft typing experience, go with the Grapefruit, but if tactile response is more your style, then the Weightlessness is the superior option.
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