Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Its blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance makes it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to create a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. While the Holy Panda is more accented and snappy, the Hyacinth is characterized as neutral and subtle. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs, 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Hyacinth, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the difference in sound between the two switches may come from their respective nylon bottom housings. The Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Hyacinth also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing in both the Holy Panda and the Hyacinth contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out on the keys. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound profile, as it influences the sound produced when keys are pressed down. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches play a role in creating a clear and resonant sound profile when releasing the keys, as they are stiffer materials that contribute to a sharper sound.
Overall, while the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Hyacinth share similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Holy Panda's deeper and fuller sound from its nylon bottom housing contrasts with the crisper and sharper sound produced by the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing. These differences in sound profiles based on housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and may appeal to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Hyacinth sits at a lighter 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The actuation force for the Holy Panda is unspecified, while the Hyacinth requires 45 grams. When it comes to typing preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch might lean towards the Hyacinth for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Holy Panda. Both switches offer varying levels of resistance, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm. The Holy Panda offers a bit more depth in keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times and may be favored by gamers looking for speed and efficiency. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, making them suitable for a variety of preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a longer, more immersive keypress experience or a shorter, more responsive one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 Holy Panda switch is best known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, offering a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other variables such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. These qualities create an immersive and responsive typing experience that is highly satisfying for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the contrary, the Hyacinth switch is described as providing a silky and subtle typing feel, offering an exceptionally smooth experience with gentle resistance and minimal sound resonance. The design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring in the Hyacinth contributes to a consistent force curve that enhances user comfort.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch excels in providing a sharp tactile feedback and pronounced sound profile, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch prioritizes a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a neutral sound profile, catering to a broader range of users looking for a comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp and snappy typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and subtler typing feel with a more neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth could be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness, and the bottom out force that feels most comfortable to you when making your decision. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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