Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute 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 Mute Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feel of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. With a slight bump and a more subdued sound profile, this switch falls under the categories of 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Holy Panda offers a unique blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. 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
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda both feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound profiles and visual aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate material in the top housing.
In contrast, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Holy Panda also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic benefits in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite both switches sharing the same nylon material for their bottom housing, they may still exhibit slight differences in sound due to variations in design and construction.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of typing. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. While both the Box Mute Jade and the Holy Panda feature unique combinations of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary slightly based on the specific design and construction of each switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 82 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which would be considered medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Holy Panda may be the better option. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier force of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm. In this case, the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. The Box Mute Jade falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Holy Panda would be a better choice for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 Mute Jade offers a quieter clicky experience with a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda boasts a bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Mute Jade will deliver a subdued clicky sound, while the Holy Panda will offer a more vibrant and resonant typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda feature an accented tactile feedback, offering a balanced level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Mute Jade is described as stiff, requiring a higher actuation force, and polished for a smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Holy Panda is characterized as invigorating and snappy, providing a responsive and immersive typing sensation with a sharp and distinct tactile bump. Both switches will provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Box Mute Jade leaning towards a stiffer feel and the Holy Panda offering a more reactive and lively typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Invyr Holy Panda switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter clicky sound with a medium tactile feedback, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a more vibrant and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Invyr Holy Panda is the ideal choice. Both switches cater to different preferences, providing a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier switch with a more subdued clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. The Holy Panda, on the other hand, offers a medium-heavy bottom out force with a sharp tactile feel and pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, whether you enjoy the crunchy click of the Box Mute Jade or the satisfyingly bright "clack" of the Holy Panda. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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