KTT Grapefruit vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Yunhai are two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switch experiences. The Grapefruit is celebrated for its delightful, soft and light feel, which is paired with a low-pitched, neutral, yet polished sound profile—a combination that makes for an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a uniquely gentle typing sensation, characterized by their deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making them ideal for those who favor a smooth and effortless touch. While both switches offer their own advantages—softness and polish from the Grapefruit and an effortless feel from the Yunhai—they cater to slightly different preferences in the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Grapefruit Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.41 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Yunhai, we see a distinct difference in the composition of their top housings. The KTT Grapefruit utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate aids in creating a resonant acoustic experience, particularly desirable for users who appreciate clarity in sound, especially when utilizing RGB lighting effects due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, resulting in a sound signature that is deeper and fuller. This is partly attributed to nylon’s softer characteristics, which absorb sound waves, creating a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Grapefruit achieves brightness through a stiffer material, the Yunhai offers a muted quality with deeper resonance.

On the other hand, both the KTT Grapefruit and the TTC Yunhai feature nylon for their bottom housings. This choice in material results in a consistent auditory experience as both switches elicit a similar sound profile from the bottom housing, characterized by depth and fullness. The nylon used in both cases absorbs sound effectively, leading to a palpable bottom-out feel that adds a level of satisfaction to the typing experience. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users will experience a similar depth and roundness when bottoming out on either switch, thereby highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in defining the overall acoustic signature.

In essence, the KTT Grapefruit and TTC Yunhai provide distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials, yet they converge in their bottom housing choice of nylon. This division of materials creates a unique juxtaposition where the Grapefruit's clarity and brightness from polycarbonate combines with the Yunhai's deeper and fuller sound profile from nylon, creating diverse auditory experiences for different preferences. The result is a compelling study in how different materials can offer unique tactile and sonic feedback, while still providing a foundation of familiarity through their shared nylon bottom housings. Ultimately, users seeking sharpness and brightness may gravitate towards the Grapefruit, while those favoring a rounded auditory experience may prefer the Yunhai, though both switches will exhibit a grounded bottom-out sensation due to their nylon base.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grapefruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter switch overall. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Yunhai for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches provide a satisfactory actuation experience, the Grapefruit offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force compared to the Yunhai. Thus, for users seeking a more tactile feedback, the Grapefruit may be preferable, while those who desire a lighter touch would benefit from the Yunhai switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is clear that the Grapefruit offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The more traditional travel distance is typically around 4 mm, which the Grapefruit adheres to, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial depth and tactile response. On the other hand, the Yunhai’s shorter travel distance is designed for gamers and those seeking quicker response times, delivering a snappier keystroke that may feel more abrupt for some users. Therefore, if you prioritize a deeper, more deliberate actuation, the KTT Grapefruit would be the preferred choice, whereas the TTC Yunhai is better suited for those who favor responsiveness and speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit switches present a low-pitched, mellow tone that is just shy of bassy, providing a rich auditory experience that is pleasant to many users. This deep sound profile, combined with a neutral characteristic, suits a wide variety of settings, making them versatile for both home and work environments. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are noted for their deep, rounded sound profile, which complements their extremely light actuation force. Despite the similarities in their deeper sound characteristics, the Grapefruit switches deliver a baritone sound while the Yunhai may focus more on smooth, rounded acoustics. Ultimately, both switches are likely to produce satisfying auditory feedback, though the nuances in their sound might sway personal preferences.

In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switches are celebrated for their polished smoothness, resulting in an elegant typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. This refined quality makes typing with these switches a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The TTC Yunhai switches, while described as having an incredibly light actuation force, do not have further details available on their tactile feedback. However, their effortless actuation implies a light and gentle feel, which likely appeals to users who prefer a less forceful typing experience. Even without extensive details on the Yunhai's feel, both switches aim to provide a remarkably enjoyable typing experience, with the Grapefruit having a clear advantage in terms of tactile smoothness.

In conclusion, the KTT Grapefruit linear switches offer a soft and polished typing experience with a deep, mellow sound profile, making them a strong choice for users who appreciate both auditory and tactile qualities in their typing. The TTC Yunhai switches, while lacking specific details, promise a gentle and light typing experience with a pleasingly deep sound. Users can expect some similarities in the overall typing experience, especially in terms of sound depth and actuation force, which can cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both capable of delivering satisfying results.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Grapefruit and TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a typing feel that balances responsiveness with a bit of resistance, the KTT Grapefruit's medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams may be ideal for you. Its polished characteristics ensure a smooth and refined feel, while its soft and light action combined with a low-pitched sound profile delivers a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a gentle and almost effortless typing sensation, the TTC Yunhai's 50-gram bottom-out force offers a lighter touch that makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. The deep, rounded sound profile coupled with the light actuation also appeals to those who want an unobtrusive yet satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and smoothness, allowing you to create a setup that enhances your productivity and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Grapefruit Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more