KTT Grapefruit vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two unique mechanical keyboard switches, each with their own distinct characteristics. The Grapefruit switches are known for their soft and light feel, providing a smooth typing experience. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, they offer a pleasant auditory feedback that is not too overpowering. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a completely different experience. These switches have a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke feel satisfyingly resistant. With a tactile force of 70g, typing becomes an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the nylon housings of the WS Heavy Tactile switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, creating an attractive sound profile. So, if you prefer a softer and lighter touch, the Grapefruit switches might be the perfect choice for you. However, if you seek an invigorating and immersive typing experience with a satisfying audible feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are worth considering. Now, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches differ in their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prioritize a sharper and more resonant sound, the Grapefruit with polycarbonate housing would be the preferred choice, while the WS Heavy Tactile with nylon housing is ideal for those seeking a deeper and fuller sound.
Similarly, the difference in housing materials extends to the bottom housings of both switches. The KTT Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the Grapefruit's bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, creating a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Thus, both switches offer a comparable typing experience with their respective nylon bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material composition, their impact on the overall sound profile of the switches should be noted. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing predominantly shape the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing and the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing provide a similar deeper and fuller sound experience upon keypress. Conversely, the top housing material has a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. The Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound upon key release, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when letting go of the key. Therefore, while the bottom housings maintain similarities, the sound profiles upon key release differ between the two switches due to their contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see some clear differences. The Grapefruit has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, so we cannot determine how it compares in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is 53 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier press to fully activate the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Grapefruit might be preferable for individuals who desire a keyboard that allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its lighter bottom out force, might be favored by those who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force of the Grapefruit is lighter, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a lighter bottom out force, providing contrasting options for users seeking different typing sensations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Grapefruit has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Grapefruit falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shallower experience, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the longer travel distance of the Grapefruit may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a mellow and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. While the Grapefruit provides a baritone sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Grapefruit has a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing on these switches can be sleek and comfortable. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback when pressed. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is invigorating and sharp, offering a noticeable and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The Grapefruit and the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide different tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.
Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Grapefruit offers a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, providing a soft and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, and offers an accented and bouncy feel with sharp tactile feedback. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences. However, it is worth noting that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel. It is recommended for newcomers to consider their personal preferences and try out different switches to find the one that suits them best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a soft and light feel, along with a moderate sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light typing experience. Additionally, its polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging and immersive typing journey with a pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light and satisfying resistance. The switch's accented tactile feedback, bouncy and invigorating feel, and snappy response create a lively and immersive typing sensation. Furthermore, its clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for the level of tactile feedback and sound profile you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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