Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, to the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch, there are distinct differences in their key characteristics. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with every keystroke. It is best suited for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and a unique acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a more subdued and creamy feel while typing. Ultimately, the Holy Panda excels in accentuated tactility, while the Ice King Linear focuses on smoothness and polish. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Linear both use nylon for their bottom housing, which means they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of this material. However, the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. This contrast in housing materials may result in a different typing experience, with the Holy Panda offering a more clear and resonant sound while the Ice King Linear produces a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda's top housing makes it ideal for users interested in RGB lighting options, further distinguishing it from the Ice King Linear.
In terms of aesthetics, the Invyr Holy Panda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that allows for the transmission of light and potential for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a classic look and a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Holy Panda's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a sharper and crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may provide a more uniform typing feel with a focus on absorbing sound for a quieter overall sound profile.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Linear offer users distinct typing experiences based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound, especially suitable for users interested in RGB lighting features, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and visual appeal, with the Holy Panda offering a sharper sound profile and RGB potential, while the Ice King Linear provides a classic typing experience with a deeper sound.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we find differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it readily responsive, while the Ice King Linear requires 52 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to bottoming out, the Holy Panda has a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Ice King Linear, allowing for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more robust feel may lean towards the Holy Panda. The actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the overall typing experience and can cater to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we can see that the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm. This means that the Holy Panda offers a slightly deeper key press than the Ice King Linear. Gamers who prefer a more responsive key press may opt for the Ice King Linear with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 is known for a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed, creating a subtle sound signature. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is characterized by an invigorating, sharp tactile experience that offers a snappy and responsive typing sensation. It provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. In contrast, the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its nylon construction and factory lubrication. The switch feels frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Holy Panda and Ice King Linear offer vastly different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, while the Ice King Linear focuses on providing a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either a tactile or linear typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a sharp tactility with pronounced feedback and a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a more subdued sound, the Ice King Linear is the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in a keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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