Dareu Aqua vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, delivering a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a distinctive choice for those who favor a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Holy Panda is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Invyr Holy Panda, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches planning to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition absorbing more sound. Similarly, the Holy Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder sound profile.
Despite both switches sharing a polycarbonate top housing, their unique bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing of the Aqua and Holy Panda contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. The absorbent nature of nylon in the bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. This split between housing materials allows users to feel and hear the different characteristics of each material when typing on the switches.
Overall, while the Dareu Aqua and the Invyr Holy Panda share similar polycarbonate top housings, their nylon bottom housings provide distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of both switches adds a depth and fullness to the sound profile, showcasing the differences in material composition and sound absorption. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Holy Panda, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda is heavier with 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Aqua, whose bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions may lean towards the Aqua, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Holy Panda. Overall, the weight of these switches plays a crucial role in dictating the typing experience for users, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, they both provide a consistent amount of travel for users to experience when typing or gaming. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Aqua or the Holy Panda, you can expect a similar tactile feedback and keypress experience. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can enjoy a consistent typing experience no matter which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky tones, adding a distinctive touch to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is renowned for its satisfyingly bright "clack" sound that provides a pronounced feedback with every press. While the Aqua has a lighter and more playful sound profile, the Holy Panda offers a more intense and resonant auditory experience, perfect for tactile switch enthusiasts looking for a sharp and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, the Aqua linear switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal effort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Holy Panda tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a more immersive typing sensation that is both responsive and satisfying. The Holy Panda's accented and snappy feel sets it apart from the Aqua's light and effortless typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response in their switches.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. While the Aqua provides a light and chirpy sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Holy Panda delivers a bright and resonant clack with a sharp and invigorating tactile response. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Aqua offering a more playful and effortless typing experience, while the Holy Panda provides a more intense and tactile feedback. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a unique and enjoyable typing experience that will satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you crave a sharp tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Holy Panda switch offers unmatched tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and distinctive sound (Aqua) or a pronounced feedback and immersive typing experience (Holy Panda). So, weigh these factors carefully before making your selection to ensure that the switch you choose enhances your overall typing experience.
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