Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. With a poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth tactile sensation, these switches are ideal for users who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke. Known for their pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, these switches are preferred by 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both switches share the benefit of a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to their similar sharp and clear sound profiles. However, the impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable when typing on the switches, as it affects the bottom-out sound and feel. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound profile, users may experience a more substantial typing experience compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of these varying housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the two switches offer users a choice in the type of typing experience they prefer, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a more substantial and rounded sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Holy Panda. Whether one prefers the unique qualities of nylon or the traditional stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches offer a distinct typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Invyr Holy Panda's unspecified actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams, while the Holy Panda needs 67 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Holy Panda provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Blue Pro. The longer travel distance of the Holy Panda may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel, while the Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance might be more suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that provides a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switches offer a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a sharp tactile sound experience. Both switches deliver a unique auditory experience that is sure to please tactile switch enthusiasts, although the specific sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as "accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished," offering a medium tactile experience with smooth key travel and a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda switches are characterized as "accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy," providing a pronounced feedback with a firm actuation force and a distinct tactile bump. Both switches excel in providing tactile satisfaction to users, with the Holy Pandas offering a sharper tactile bump compared to the Cream Blue Pro switches.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Invyr Holy Panda switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches are high-quality options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a lively and smooth sound profile paired with a balanced tactile sensation, while the Holy Panda switches deliver a bright, sharp clack with a pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize sharp tactility with a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound profile, the Invyr Holy Panda switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you want to achieve.
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