Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a decision between a linear switch and a tactile switch. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking a high-quality option, offering a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactile feedback and bright "clack" sound, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro and Holy Panda differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Cream Black Pro using nylon and the Holy Panda using polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate.
While both switches share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Holy Panda differ when it comes to their bottom housing material. The use of nylon in the V3 Cream Black Pro generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a rounder and duller sound compared to the sharper, crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Holy Panda. This variation in bottom housing material contributes to a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more muted and softer typing feel compared to the firmer and clearer feel of the Holy Panda.
In terms of typing experience, the choice between the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Holy Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference. The V3 Cream Black Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is deep and full, while the Holy Panda's dual polycarbonate housings produce a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on whether you prefer a softer, more muted typing experience or a sharper, more resonant one, you can choose between the V3 Cream Black Pro and Holy Panda to achieve similar results in terms of key feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Holy Panda's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the V3 Cream Black Pro and 67 grams for the Holy Panda, both falling into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches cater to different preferences, providing options for a variety of typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch which has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Holy Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch doesn't have a specific sound descriptor mentioned, but it is known for producing a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the V3 Cream Black Pro delivering a poppy and clacky sound, while the Holy Panda offers a bright and resonant clack.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by a creamy and bouncy typing experience. With a smooth and buttery feel, these switches offer a silky sensation that makes typing a breeze. The bouncy feedback also adds a lively feel to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as having an accented and invigorating feel. Providing a pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, these switches offer a firm actuation force and a snappy response, creating an immersive typing sensation that tactile enthusiasts appreciate.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in producing a high-pitched and clacky sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Holy Panda stands out for its bright clack and invigorating tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Black Pro appealing to those who enjoy a smoother and poppier sound, while the Holy Panda satisfies tactile enthusiasts with its sharp and pronounced feedback. Overall, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and poppy sound with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a sharp tactility with pronounced feedback and a bright "clack" sound, paired with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy and invigorating typing feel, then the Invyr Holy Panda could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it all comes down to what type of typing experience you prefer and what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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