Durock Anubis vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis and the Invyr Holy Panda mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer a satisfying tactile feedback experience. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a pronounced bump that intensifies each keystroke. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and bright "clack," appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a snappy feel. While the Anubis is described as 'Accented,' 'Neutral,' and 'Polished,' the Holy Panda is labeled as 'Accented,' 'Invigorating,' 'Sharp,' and 'Snappy.' Each switch has its unique qualities that may suit different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Invyr Holy Panda, one key difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Anubis utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Anubis offers a more mellow typing experience, the Holy Panda provides a more vibrant and crisp sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Durock Anubis and the Invyr Holy Panda make use of nylon. This results in a shared characteristic of a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties compared to harder plastics. The consistency in the choice of material for the bottom housings suggests that both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This shared attribute ensures that users will experience a familiar sound profile regardless of whether they are using the Anubis or the Holy Panda.
In considering the impact of utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, it becomes apparent that each component plays a unique role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By splitting the qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom, both the Durock Anubis and the Invyr Holy Panda are able to offer a comprehensive typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to whether one prefers a softer and rounder sound profile (Anubis) or a clearer and crisper sound profile (Holy Panda).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keypress. However, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Holy Panda has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Holy Panda offers a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Anubis. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some users may prefer the lighter Anubis for longer typing sessions, especially for work or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier Holy Panda for a more pronounced keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, allowing for a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and feel when using either one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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 Durock Anubis offers a neutral experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda's sound profile is not explicitly described, so it may provide a different auditory experience. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so results may vary.
In terms of feel, both the Anubis and Holy Panda switches are described as accented, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Anubis also offers a polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the typing experience. The Holy Panda, on the other hand, is described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback and a strong tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, its snappy nature makes typing feel more responsive and lively.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis and Invyr Holy Panda switches offer unique tactile experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Anubis provides a moderate and satisfying tactile feedback with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Holy Panda stands out for its bright "clack" and strong tactile bump. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch, ultimately enhancing your typing experience and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Anubis tactile switch or the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, think about your preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced bump and a satisfyingly deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with sharp tactility and a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda could be the better option. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience and tactile preferences.