Akko Fairy vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko Fairy, a linear switch, and the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch. The Fairy switches from Akko are perfect for office settings with their smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. These switches are ideal for creating a quiet workspace while also being comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Holy Panda switches are well-known for their sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Their pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make them 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Invyr Holy Panda switches offer contrast in terms of sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Fairy's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar sound experience with its softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder tone overall.
Despite the differences in material composition, both the Akko Fairy and Invyr Holy Panda switches benefit from their respective housing materials. While the Fairy's top and bottom nylon housings work together to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile while the nylon bottom housing complements it by enhancing the overall sound experience with its softer plastic. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the Fairy offering a more mellow sound profile and the Holy Panda delivering a crisper and resonant tone.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and Invyr Holy Panda switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of each switch. While the Fairy's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone, the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with a more clear and resonant tone. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the qualities imparted by their respective housing materials, highlighting the importance of housing material choice in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some key differences to consider. The Akko Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Holy Panda, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Fairy has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Holy Panda has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Fairy offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In general, those looking for a lighter typing experience should go for the Akko Fairy, while those who prefer a heavier touch would likely prefer the Invyr Holy Panda.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Fairy switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Holy Panda switch may provide a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 Fairy linear switch is known for its muted and neutral characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office settings. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as producing a bright and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, offering a unique and pronounced sound profile that appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko Fairy linear switch is polished and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is accented and sharp, providing a medium tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that enhances the typing sensation, making it invigorating and responsive for enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic typing experience.
Overall, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience ideal for professional settings, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch stands out for its pronounced feedback and unique "clack" sound that caters to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for a more tactile and engaging typing experience. Depending on the preference of the user, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider how the switches align with your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Fairy may be the ideal choice with its medium weight and factory-applied lubrication. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile switch with sharp tactility and pronounced feedback for a more immersive typing sensation, the Holy Panda could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so it's important to choose based on what best suits your typing style and environment.
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