HMX EMO vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as top choices for enthusiasts looking for different typing experiences. The HMX EMO offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, delivering a bright "clack" with each keystroke and unmatched feedback and acoustic resonance. Each switch is unique in its own right, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the Invyr Holy Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches using polycarbonate in their top housing will give similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, the HMX EMO and the Invyr Holy Panda differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The EMO opts for nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Holy Panda also uses nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing a similar deep and full sound profile attributed to this classic switch housing material.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch determines the impact each material has on the feel and sound. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the EMO and the Holy Panda demonstrate the significance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience based on the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the EMO is also lighter at 46 grams, while the Holy Panda has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. For those looking for a smoother and easier typing experience, the EMO switch would be more suitable due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switch would be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced and substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. In essence, the EMO will provide a lighter and smoother typing experience, while the Holy Panda will offer a firmer and more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Holy Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quick responses or a longer travel distance for a more substantial typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky noise, providing a satisfyingly bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda offers a sharp tactility that produces a bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a unique and resonant sound profile. Both switches can provide an enjoyable auditory experience, although the Holy Panda may offer a more distinctive and pronounced noise due to its tactile design.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is revered for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its accented tactile feedback, providing a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. This combination of pronounced feedback and moderate tactility makes the Holy Panda a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the EMO providing a lighter touch and the Holy Panda delivering a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light touch, while the Holy Panda delivers a sharp tactility and bright sound profile. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the EMO offering a smoother feel and the Holy Panda providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a lively clack sound, the HMX EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force, sharp tactility with a bright clack sound, and a switch that offers pronounced feedback and an invigorating feel, the Invyr Holy Panda switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a light, effortless typing experience with the EMO, or a tactile, feedback-rich typing sensation with the Holy Panda.
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