Aflion Blush vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch each offer unique qualities to consider. The blush switch from Aflion is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its two-stage spring and long pole design, providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch is celebrated for its sharp tactility and bright clack with each keystroke, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. While the Blush is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, buttery and the Holy Panda as accented, invigorating, sharp, snappy, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Invyr Holy Panda both feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound experience, making them ideal choices for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience.
While the top housings of the Blush and Holy Panda are similar in material and sound profile, the key point of differentiation lies in their bottom housings. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Holy Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound experience to the Blush.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Invyr Holy Panda results in a blend of clear, resonant tones and deep, full-bodied sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite any differences in aesthetic design or color variations, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that combines the best qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both have a medium actuation force, but the Blush is lighter with none grams compared to the Holy Panda's none grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, making it medium, while the Holy Panda is heavier at 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying weight, with the Blush being lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Holy Panda provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Holy Panda's 4 mm. The Blush's 3.3 mm travel distance indicates a quicker key press response time, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a more immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Holy Panda's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences and needs of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a shorter, quicker key press or a longer, more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a poppy sound signature due to its long pole design, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, delivering an unmatched blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with lubricant applied in the switch at the factory. Typing on these switches provides a silky sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation with a crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is ideal for individuals seeking a tactile switch with a sharp and invigorating feedback. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel by selecting the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound, the Blush switch with its 58g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfying "clack" sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda with its 67g bottom out force might be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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