Gateron Aliaz vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as popular options in the tactile switch category. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments like the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that gives each keystroke a substantial feel without the noise. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switches are known for their sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with every press. While the Aliaz switches are categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Holy Panda switches are labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, but to truly determine the best switch for you, a deeper dive into their specific features and qualities is necessary.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Invyr Holy Panda switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz differs from the Holy Panda in its use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, further emphasizing the sharp and clear sound profile throughout the typing experience.
On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This contrast in bottom housing material between the two switches ultimately affects the overall typing experience, with the Holy Panda offering a more muffled and cushioned bottom-out sound compared to the Aliaz.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Aliaz and Invyr Holy Panda switches differ in material, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound profiles. The split between the qualities of the two housing materials allows for distinct experiences when pressing a key versus releasing it. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a key role in the sound produced when a key is released. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a heavy typing feel. In comparison, the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Holy Panda, as it has a lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push when typing may find the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Aliaz more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches have identical travel distances of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it can be concluded that both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz or the Invyr Holy Panda, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches are designed to be muted, offering a quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for those who require a quieter keyboard, such as in an office setting. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switches are known for their bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer different sound profiles, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches are described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can enhance the overall typing feel and provide a comfortable experience for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This level of tactility can create an immersive and responsive typing sensation for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Invyr Holy Panda switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switches prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, while the Holy Panda switches excel in providing a sharp tactility and a bright clack sound. Depending on your preference for keyboard sound and key feel, both switches cater to different typing styles. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction, as they can also influence the overall typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a personal keyboard will give you the best idea of which one suits your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a quiet setting like an office and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel, the Aliaz switches are the way to go. They offer a muted sound profile and a silky, polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda switches are the better choice. They provide an invigorating, snappy feel with a strong, crisp tactile bump. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience and noise level will guide your decision between these two exceptional switches.
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