KTT Grapefruit vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. The KTT Grapefruit is celebrated for its soft and light feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile that leans toward the neutral. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler typing experience with subtle auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS POM+ stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a deep "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and acoustically satisfying experience. While both switches cater to the linear switch preference, they provide different sensations and audio characteristics that could influence your choice. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Grapefruit's top housing is made from polycarbonate, known for its rigidity and clarity. This translates into a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it especially advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. The unique acoustic properties of POM create a sound that is distinctly pleasant, though it does lack the brightness associated with polycarbonate. Therefore, users seeking a more pronounced high-end may lean towards the Grapefruit, while those preferring a rounder, softer auditory experience might find the WS POM+ more appealing.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches utilize different materials that further differentiate their sound characteristics. The Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing is notable for its softer nature, which absorbs sound and results in a fuller, rounder sound profile when typing. This helps to create a deeper sound experience that complements the sharper qualities of its polycarbonate top. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM bottom housing, which, like its top, leans towards a muted sound. However, the sound it produces still offers depth and a unique quality that can produce a rich auditory experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches leverage their bottom housings to formulate a deeper bottom-out sound, delivering satisfying tactile feedback to the user.
In terms of overall sound profile during operation, both the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ exhibit a shared fundamental characteristic: they both utilize a combination of stiffness and softness that can yield pleasant auditory results. Although their materials differ, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom contrast with the WS POM+'s POM top and bottom, each contributing uniquely to the sound experience. Ultimately, the juxtaposition of a clear and resonant sound from the Grapefruit paired with the richer and deeper tones from the WS POM+ shows how varying materials can lead to distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. For users seeking specific auditory qualities, understanding these differences enables informed decisions in selecting switches that best meet their personal preferences.
Weight
Both the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the Grapefruit reaches a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the initial actuation feels the same for both switches, the WS POM+ requires a bit more force to fully depress, leading to a slightly heavier feel overall. For users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Grapefruit may offer a slightly more comfortable experience, while those who favor a stronger push might lean towards the WS POM+ for its more substantial feedback when bottoming out. Thus, the Grapefruit can be considered the lighter option, whereas the WS POM+ is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The KTT Grapefruit boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and offers a more substantial tactile feedback during keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users seeking quicker response times typical in gaming scenarios. This shorter distance, while offering increased responsiveness, may feel abruptly shallow to some users. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the WS POM+ is the preferable option due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth during key presses, the KTT Grapefruit would be the better choice. Overall, the Grapefruit is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the WS POM+ measures in at 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Grapefruit switches deliver a deep, low-pitched profile that contributes to their mellow and somewhat neutral tone. This sound profile is versatile enough to suit various environments, from home to office settings, making them suitable for any user whether they are a beginner or more experienced. The "baritone" quality adds a pleasant auditory experience without overwhelming bass that some might find distracting. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offers a distinct "thock" sound, which is often appreciated for its satisfying resonance. This deep auditory signature can enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a sensory feedback that is both rewarding and impactful. However, the specific tonal qualities might vary depending on your keyboard and keycap choices, which can influence how the sound is perceived in practice.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches stand out with their polished finish. This smoothness ensures minimal friction during key travel, allowing for a light and airy typing experience. Because of their soft touch, they can be an excellent choice for users who favor rapid, effortless keystrokes or light touches while typing. Conversely, the WS POM+ switches are heralded for their buttery-smooth keystroke, but detailed specifics about their feel, beyond just smoothness, remain elusive. This suggests that while both switches may prioritize a smooth experience, the Grapefruit's polished texture offers a refined quality that's notable right from the start.
In conclusion, both the KTT Grapefruit and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches cater to users seeking satisfying auditory and tactile experiences in mechanical keyboards. The Grapefruit offers a tarty sensation and a low-pitched sound profile suitable for various environments, while the WS POM+ brings forth an appealing "thock" and sweet keystroke smoothness. Ultimately, those who appreciate the qualities of one will find overlap in the other, ensuring a similar level of enjoyment while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you value a softer and lighter typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound, the Grapefruit switch is an excellent choice, especially for casual typing and home use where a more laid-back ambiance is desired. Its polished feel adds to the overall smoothness, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions or gaming without much fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust and satisfying auditory feedback, the WS POM+ is the way to go, delivering a deeper "thock" sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. The materials used in the WS POM+ also promise a refined keystroke experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more solid typing feel, particularly in noisier environments or for more focused work. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound, feedback, or feel—and let that guide your decision between these two outstanding linear switches.
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