TTC Gold Red vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red and Invyr Holy Panda mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a smooth linear switch and a tactile one that offers sharp feedback. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and modest sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a subtle and polished feel. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Invyr Holy Panda, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. However, while they both share the same material for the top housing, the Gold Red and the Holy Panda differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Holy Panda also uses nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the similarities in top housing material between the TTC Gold Red and the Invyr Holy Panda, the variations in their bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches incorporating nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Gold Red and Holy Panda may offer a slightly different sound profile upon key release due to their top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the TTC Gold Red and the Invyr Holy Panda plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. Polycarbonate top housings create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while nylon bottom housings absorb more sound for a deeper and fuller typing experience. While both switches share polycarbonate for their top housing, their differences in bottom housing material showcase how the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the typing process. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and round sound of nylon, each housing material brings its unique characteristics to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter while the Holy Panda is heavier. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In comparison, the Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gold Red for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Holy Panda. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to varying preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that you can expect consistent keypress feedback and responsiveness from both switches. Whether you choose the Gold Red for its smooth linear action or the Holy Panda for its tactile feedback, you can be assured that the travel distance will be the same, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you opt for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and rich sound that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Holy Panda tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, but given its tactile nature, it is likely to produce a crisp and bright "clack" with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red being more neutral and the Holy Panda potentially being more distinct in its auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with a subtle resistance and polished finish that enhances smoothness and minimizes friction. In contrast, the Holy Panda tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force that creates a sharp tactile bump with each keypress. While the Gold Red offers a gentle and refined typing experience, the Holy Panda provides a more intense and reactive tactile sensation that is sure to please enthusiasts seeking a highly tactile switch.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red provides a smooth and neutral sound profile with a mild and silky typing feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced and sharp sound with an invigorating and snappy tactile feel that is sure to satisfy tactile switch enthusiasts. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that will enhance your typing experience, whether you choose the buttery smoothness of the Gold Red or the sharp tactility of the Holy Panda.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy resistance switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound profile, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch would be the ideal option. Consider your typing preferences, desired resistance level, and the sound and feel profile you are looking for when making your decision between these two distinct switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
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