Bsun Akashi vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is praised for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound that resonates with each keystroke. In contrast, the Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" and pronounced feedback that appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Holy Panda is categorized as 'accented', 'invigorating', and 'sharp'. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Akashi and the Invyr Holy Panda switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly affect the typing experience for users who prefer either a softer, more rounded sound or a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual aspect to the switch that the Akashi may not offer.
Both the Akashi and Holy Panda switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This similarity in bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound between the two switches. However, the top housing materials of POM for the Akashi and polycarbonate for the Holy Panda offer distinct differences in sound profiles when pressing down on a key and when letting go. The split between the different housing materials highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housings in creating the overall typing experience.
In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. The combination of POM and nylon in the Akashi versus the polycarbonate and nylon in the Holy Panda offers users a choice between a softer, more muted typing experience and a crisper, more resonant one. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Akashi switch will feel easier to actuate while typing or gaming, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch requires more force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Akashi being lighter and the Holy Panda being heavier in terms of force required for key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. With only a 0.3 mm difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Holy Panda with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, allowing for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
The Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. The long pole stem combined with the unique housing materials results in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can add an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. The smooth and buttery feel of these switches, combined with their polished finish, creates a silky sensation as you type. Additionally, the easy-to-press nature of the Akashi switches reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, providing a pronounced feedback with each keypress. The medium tactility of the Holy Panda switches strikes a balance between overwhelming and subtle feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Holy Panda offers a bright "clack" sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, either of these switches can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. As two distinct options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches, both the Akashi and Holy Panda provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting a keyboard switch, consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance, the Bsun Akashi linear switch with its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky characteristics may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers pronounced feedback and a snappy, sharp tactile bump, the Invyr Holy Panda switch with its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy qualities may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for either a linear or tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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