Gateron Beer vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Gateron Beer and the Invyr Holy Panda, both tactile switches. The Gateron Beer switch is renowned for its translucent green appearance, giving it a unique and mesmerizing look. With a stepped tactility, these switches provide a lighter feel compared to other tactile switches, making them easy to press. Additionally, they offer a characteristic clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its sharp tactility, delivering a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. These switches provide a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched, making them a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics and benefits, catering 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Invyr Holy Panda both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, having a clear housing indicates the use of polycarbonate, making it especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the Gateron Beer has a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Invyr Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the housing materials play a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In this case, the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to other plastic materials. This means that while the top housing may have similar characteristics in both switches, the difference in bottom housing material will affect the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Invyr Holy Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. However, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Beer featuring a stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing and the Holy Panda with a softer nylon bottom housing. Depending on whether you prefer a clearer and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, one switch may be more suited to your typing preferences than the other.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Holy Panda has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for a stronger typing experience. While the actuation force of the Holy Panda is unknown, it is evident that it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Beer. Depending on individual preferences, one may opt for the lighter Beer switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The 3.4 mm distance of the Beer is shorter and more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Holy Panda provides a deeper, more pronounced key press, which some users may find to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, giving off a crisp and bright percussive noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is not explicitly described, but both switches are likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience, albeit with potentially different tones and levels of sharpness depending on the user's keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is heralded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile experience as compared to other switches. The Invyr Holy Panda, on the other hand, is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. These qualities make the typing sensation immersive and engaging, albeit potentially requiring a firmer actuation force compared to the Beer switch. Both options cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Holy Panda offering a more intense and dynamic experience while the Beer provides a lighter touch.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches both have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. While the Beer switch offers a lighter touch and a more subtle tactile experience along with a clacky sound, the Holy Panda provides a more pronounced and invigorating typing feel with potentially sharper feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a gentler touch or a more intense typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying result, ultimately offering a personalized typing experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key press with a more subtle and easy-to-press tactile feedback, then the Gateron Beer switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy key press with a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, then the Invyr Holy Panda switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider how you like your typing experience to be before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Invyr Holy Panda will depend on what feels best for you.
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