HMX Blue Topaz vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly affect your typing experience. On one hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its easy-to-press nature. Its unique glittering housing not only catches the eye but also produces a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall user experience. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. The pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance of the Holy Panda appeal to tactile switch enthusiasts who enjoy an invigorating and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and Holy Panda switches will depend on your personal preference for either smooth linear switches or tactile switches with sharp feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Invyr Holy Panda are quite similar in terms of their top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience from both the Blue Topaz and Holy Panda switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material, with the Blue Topaz featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Holy Panda also incorporating nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly varying typing experience between the Blue Topaz and Holy Panda switches, as the qualities of the nylon material in the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Blue Topaz and Holy Panda switches offers a balanced typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by each housing material allows users to feel and hear the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while also experiencing the influence of the top housing on the sound when letting go of a key. This combination creates a unique typing experience that caters to both the tactile and auditory preferences of users, making both switches a great choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a refined typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Holy Panda, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, we see that the Blue Topaz has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Holy Panda's 4 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall feel and performance of the switch. The Blue Topaz's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, which is beneficial for gaming or typing quickly. On the other hand, the Holy Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so you can expect similar results regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
In terms of sound, the Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, adding a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound descriptor available, but based on its tactile nature, it likely produces a more subdued and pronounced sound compared to the Blue Topaz. Whether you prefer the distinct clack of the Blue Topaz or the potentially softer sound of the Holy Panda, both switches will provide an engaging auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is known for its easy-to-press actuation that requires minimal force, promoting a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced and responsive typing sensation for users who enjoy a tactile bump with each keypress. While the Blue Topaz focuses on light actuation for ease of typing, the Holy Panda prioritizes a tactile experience that enhances typing dynamics.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world have an interesting choice ahead. If you prefer a crisp and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press feel, the Blue Topaz is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile switch with accentuated feedback and a potentially softer sound profile, the Holy Panda should be your top pick. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a rewarding typing experience for all users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you value a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with a light actuation force and a clacky sound, then the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so carefully assess your needs and preferences before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
