KTT Grapefruit vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Onion stand out as two intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Grapefruit switch is renowned for its unique characteristics, presenting a soft and light type feel, with a "baritone" depth to its sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Onion switch boasts a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, delivering a remarkably smooth keystroke experience that is truly satisfying. Additionally, users can expect a crisp and responsive feel from the Wuque Studio Onions, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. These general aspects provide an initial understanding of what each switch offers. However, let's delve deeper to determine which switch will best suit your specific preferences and needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a practical choice for those interested in customizable lighting options. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound qualities and aesthetic appeal due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the KTT Grapefruit features a nylon material while the WS Onion also opts for nylon. However, despite being made of the same material, the qualities that nylon brings to the switches are slightly different. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. Its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Grapefruit and the WS Onion offer a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to their use of nylon bottom housings.
To summarize, both the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Onion prioritize acoustics in their design choices. While they share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. Although they use the same material for the bottom housing, the resulting sound may differ slightly due to variations in design and construction. Nevertheless, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience that is sure to please mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are notable differences. The Grapefruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the WS Onion switch has an unavailable actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. Consequently, the Grapefruit switch offers a lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a heavier typing experience. It is worth noting that since the actuation force for the WS Onion switch is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare it with the Grapefruit switch in terms of actuation force. However, based on the provided information, it is evident that the bottom out force of the WS Onion switch is heavier than that of the Grapefruit switch. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Grapefruit switch more suitable, while those desiring a heavier push feel may prefer the WS Onion switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience when using either switch. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, providing a satisfying keystroke with each press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 offers a unique experience. With a low-pitched sound profile, these switches have a deep and mellow tone, although it hasn't reached the bass levels yet. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound and actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. However, it's important to note that the sound a switch produces can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Grapefruit linear switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This polished feature reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. On the contrary, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery. This indicates that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, just like the Grapefruit switch, the WS Onion switch also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have their unique qualities to offer. The Grapefruit switch stands out with its tarty linear feel, providing a soft and light typing experience along with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch impresses with its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive nature, producing a neutral sound profile. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches promise satisfaction to users seeking enjoyable typing experiences. By considering their individual characteristics, users can make an informed decision to suit their preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a soft and light type feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is worth considering. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a crisp and responsive feel. The WS Onion switch also features a buttery smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Moreover, it is polished, further enhancing the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and the WS Onion switches have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a lighter feel and low-pitched sound or a moderate and neutral typing experience, you can find the right fit for you. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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