HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Invyr Holy Panda offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and creamy feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is a tactile switch celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. While the Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy and high-pitched, the Holy Panda is accented and snappy. Each switch has its own unique 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
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Invyr Holy Panda, it is clear that they both feature nylon for the bottom housing. This means that they will both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Holy Panda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. Aesthetically, the Holy Panda's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting effects, giving it an edge in customization options.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the top housing materials of the Cloud - 63.5g and the Holy Panda differ significantly. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing will create a duller and rounder sound, while the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound profile. This disparity in material choice highlights how the switch's overall sound and feel can be influenced by the housing materials used in different components of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda allows for a more distinctive typing experience, particularly when it comes to sound quality.
In considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing of a switch. The bottom housing plays a 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. Therefore, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Holy Panda's housing materials provides a unique balance of deep, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing and sharp, clear sound from the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may result in a more uniform typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Holy Panda, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g due to its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Holy Panda with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9mm, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The 0.1mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in feel and responsiveness. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more deliberate and substantial keypress may lean towards the Holy Panda for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, giving off a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switch's sound profile is not specified in the provided information, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Holy Panda possibly offering a more unique and pronounced feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is noted for its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent amount of tactility with a strong tactile bump and reactive feel. Both switches are likely to cater to enthusiasts who prefer tactile feedback, with the Holy Panda potentially offering a more intense and immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, while the Holy Panda switch offers a satisfyingly bright clack with pronounced and sharp tactility. Depending on whether the user prefers a more crisp and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel or a more pronounced feedback with an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation, they can choose between the two switches for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a bright typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactility with pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, the Holy Panda would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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