Kailh Box White vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box White and Invyr Holy Panda are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that appeal to different preferences in the world of typing experiences. The Box White switch is celebrated for its clicky nature, offering a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who crave maximum audio feedback and enjoy a high-pitched resonance while typing. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch is revered for its tactile feedback, providing a sharp tactility and pronounced "clack" sound that leaves tactile switch enthusiasts feeling invigorated. While the Box White switch offers a polished feel with a crunchy sound, the Holy Panda switch delivers a sharp and snappy typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making it essential to dive deeper into their characteristics to determine the best switch for individual typing needs.
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Invyr Holy Panda are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Kailh Box White and the Invyr Holy Panda differ slightly. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Holy Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on enhancing the sound quality through its softer material.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Invyr Holy Panda are the same and offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic features, the different bottom housing materials bring a unique touch to the typing experience of each switch. The split qualities of the bottom and top housings ensure that users will feel and hear the differences between the switches when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Box White may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect a similar level of resistance when typing with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch. The Box White offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, the Holy Panda provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Box White being ideal for speed and the Holy Panda for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences for travel distance and 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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating an unmatched blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. Both switches provide unique audio feedback, with the Box White delivering a cleaner and sharper sound profile compared to the Holy Panda's more distinct "clack."
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its accented tactility that provides a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming, creating an invigorating and sharp tactile bump with each keypress. The Holy Panda switch also offers a snappy and responsive feel, making the typing experience feel more alive compared to the smoother feel of the Box White switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Box White provides a cleaner and sharper sound profile with polished key travel, the Holy Panda delivers a bright "clack" sound and an invigorating tactile bump with a more responsive feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box White being ideal for those seeking maximum audio feedback and a smoother typing experience, while the Holy Panda appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for a pronounced feedback and a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile, opt for the Box White switch. On the other hand, if you value sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and an invigorating typing sensation, the Holy Panda switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more resonant and polished typing experience offered by the Box White, or the accented, sharp, and snappy feel of the Holy Panda. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
