Gateron CM vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and the Invyr Holy Panda are two popular options to consider. The Gateron CM is recognized for its nylon housing and smooth typing experience, offering a rich sound signature and a bouncy feel with its dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts. While the CM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Polished', the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented' and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, making them attractive choices for 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
55g
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
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Invyr Holy Panda switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Gateron CM utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda allows for a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials lead to variations in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing down on the switch. However, the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing in the Holy Panda offers a crisper and clearer sound profile, contrasting with the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing in the Gateron CM.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron CM and the Invyr Holy Panda housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While both switches provide a deep and full sound due to their nylon bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda delivers a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the duller sound of nylon in the Gateron CM. Whether seeking a rounder, fuller sound profile from nylon or a crisper, clearer sound profile from polycarbonate, users can achieve different but equally satisfying results based on their housing material preference.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, we see that the CM has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Holy Panda which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda requires a heavier force of 67 grams as opposed to the CM's 63.5 grams. While the CM provides a slightly lighter touch for triggering keystrokes, the Holy Panda offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, making them suitable for users who prefer a tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or a heavier force for a more pronounced feel, both switches offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the CM switch. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and feedback of the switch when typing or gaming. The CM switch, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the CM switch being shorter and the Holy Panda being longer in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is praised for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, both switches can provide satisfying acoustic experiences depending on the keyboard setup, keycaps, and personal preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is known for its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a pronounced feedback and sharp tactile bump with each keypress. These differences in feel highlight the distinct typing sensations that each switch can offer.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The CM switch emphasizes a deeper sound profile and a buttery typing experience, while the Holy Panda switch focuses on sharp tactility and pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a deeper sound profile and a smooth typing sensation, the Gateron CM linear switch may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch could be the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound profile, the CM switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and snappy tactile feedback with an invigorating and accented typing sensation, the Holy Panda switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style and sound preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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