Kailh Box Jade vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. On the other hand, the Holy Pandas are revered for their sharp tactility, delivering a bright "clack" with each keystroke. Known for their pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, these switches are favored by tactile switch enthusiasts and are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Box Jade and Holy Panda switches is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The usage of different materials for the top and bottom housing of the Kailh Box Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda switches split the qualities each material brings to the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switch, you will primarily feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division allows for a unique typing experience that combines the benefits of both materials for a well-rounded switch performance.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda switches differ in terms of top and bottom sections, they both offer distinct advantages in sound profile characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a clear and resonant sound, especially suited for RGB lighting setups, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the intended usage of the keyboard.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, while the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams. This makes the Box Jade better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom-out force. In terms of actuation force, the Box Jade requires a set amount of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Holy Panda's actuation force remains unknown. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, but the Box Jade is lighter overall compared to the Holy Panda.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch's 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Holy Panda may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Despite the difference in travel distances, both switches offer unique tactile feedback and clicky sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Invyr Holy Panda switch is not provided. Sound is also influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, so the overall auditory experience may differ between these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and Invyr Holy Panda switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Additionally, the Holy Panda switch is noted for its sharp tactile bump, delivering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The inclusion of the "snappy" descriptor further emphasizes the responsiveness and liveliness of typing on these switches.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade and Invyr Holy Panda switches offer similar tactile experiences with accented feedback and a medium level of tactility. While the Box Jade is known for its clicky sound profile and crunchy feel, the Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and immersive typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp click sound and crunchy tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches would be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound profile, the Holy Panda switches would be more up your alley. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help you make an informed decision based on what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that best suits your typing preferences.
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