Kailh Berry vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch. The Berry switches offer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switches are renowned for their sharp tactility, providing a bright "clack" with each keypress and a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. While both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences, it's essential to dive deeper to determine which would best suit your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Invyr Holy Panda are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Berry is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Both the Berry and the Holy Panda share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, offering a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Berry utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate bottom housing. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This split in housing materials allows for a balance of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In summary, the Kailh Berry and the Invyr Holy Panda showcase a mix of housing materials that offer unique sound profiles. While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, the Berry's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of these materials results in distinct typing experiences, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, the Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making the Holy Panda slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but assuming they are similar, the user can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of actuation force. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as a lighter weight may be preferable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier weight may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry switch would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Holy Panda due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Berry switch for this reason. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch offers a bit more depth in key press feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key press depth.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, featuring a springy feel with a chalk-like texture. On the contrary, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a medium level of tactility with pronounced feedback and a responsive feel. This indicates that the Holy Panda switch provides a more intense and responsive typing experience compared to the Berry switch.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Berry linear switch excels in offering a textured and springy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch stands out for its pronounced feedback, sharp tactility, and snappy responsiveness. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the Berry for a more textured typing feel or the Holy Panda for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users will have an enjoyable and customized typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy feel and a chalk-like texture while typing, as well as a deep sound profile, the Berry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value sharp tactility with a satisfyingly bright "clack" and a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities and sensations you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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