Durock Blue Lotus vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Invyr Holy Panda mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional options in the world of tactile switches. The Durock Blue Lotus is renowned for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile feel. Its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to its snappiness, while the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda boasts sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, thanks to its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but in different ways. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Invyr Holy Panda switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Holy Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer durability and aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda stands out for its clarity and resonance, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and the Holy Panda switches opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite utilizing the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may exhibit variations in sound and feel due to other factors such as spring weight and stem material. Nonetheless, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound profile.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the Blue Lotus and the Holy Panda plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The contrasting properties of the housing materials, such as the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softness of nylon, contribute to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. Despite these differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, with nuances in sound and feel attributed to the unique properties of their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Holy Panda requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the Blue Lotus. When it comes to weight preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Lotus for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch at 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast input recognition. On the other hand, the Holy Panda provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter and more responsive key press or a longer and more deliberate typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as having a bassy profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Invyr Holy Panda switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and Holy Panda switches are described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, both switches are noted for their snappy responsiveness, making typing feel more alive and engaging. The Blue Lotus is also described as having a stepped feel, offering a more gradual tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The Holy Panda, on the other hand, is described as invigorating and sharp, offering a firm actuation force and a pronounced tactile bump with each key press.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Blue Lotus provides a snappy and stepped feel with a bassy sound profile, the Holy Panda offers a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a medium tactile feel with snappy responsiveness, either switch is likely to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches, you should consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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