Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Invyr Holy Panda stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The CAP Anniversary is revered for its novel CAP structure, resulting in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. With aerodynamic principles in mind, the unique stem of this linear switch features tiny holes to reduce resistance and enhance smoothness while ensuring stability with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. The blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance in this tactile switch sets it apart for enthusiasts. While the CAP Anniversary offers a polished typing experience, the Holy Panda delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile response.Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Invyr Holy Panda lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics.
While the top housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Invyr Holy Panda are identical, their bottom housing materials differ. This split in housing materials affects the sound and feel of the switches when typing. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both cases, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. Meanwhile, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Invyr Holy Panda offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more muted and rounded typing sound. While their top housing materials are the same, the split between nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom and top housings provides a blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, also providing a medium-heavy experience. The CAP Anniversary is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Holy Panda, but both switches result in a similar medium-heavy bottom out force. Selecting between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing experience, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced tactile experience suitable for various typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you can expect to experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This makes them both suitable options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches. Although both switches have the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their different switch types. The CAP Anniversary is a linear switch, providing a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump, while the Holy Panda is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump during actuation. Ultimately, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the CAP Anniversary or the longer travel distance of the Holy Panda will depend on your personal typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 CAP Anniversary is described as having a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Holy Panda is known for its satisfyingly bright and "clacky" sound with each keystroke. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so keep that in mind when considering the auditory qualities of these switches.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary offers a snappy and creamy typing experience, thanks to its unique aerodynamic stem design and stable stem post. On the other hand, the Holy Panda provides a tactile sensation that is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a pronounced feedback with each keypress. Both switches offer a unique typing feel that caters to different preferences, whether you prefer a smooth and snappy typing experience or a sharp and tactile one.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with stability and minimal wobble, while the Holy Panda delivers a satisfyingly bright and tactile typing sensation with pronounced feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with smooth keystrokes or a tactile switch with sharp feedback. Ultimately, both switches are sure to provide a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy sharp tactility and a satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, the Holy Panda could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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