Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile takes tactile typing to an art form, blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying experience. While the Holy Panda is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but 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
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, whereas the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a classic look.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, typing on either the Holy Panda or the Ice King Tactile will result in a similar tactile experience in terms of sound. However, the split between the housing materials in each switch can impact the overall feel and sound when typing. The bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Ice King Tactile housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetic. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda offers a crisper sound profile and RGB compatibility, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Consider your preferences in sound and aesthetics when selecting between these two switches for your keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in terms of pressure required to fully press down. However, the actuation force for the Holy Panda is not specified. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile has a slightly lower bottom out force of 68 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category, but with a specified actuation force of 58 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile is lighter in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke compared to the Holy Panda. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Holy Panda. Overall, both switches provide medium-heavy pressure levels, but with slightly different actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Holy Panda offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers looking for speed and accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and how it impacts your typing experience.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
The Holy Panda is notorious for its loud and satisfying "clack" sound with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound, providing a more subtle and dampened typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Holy Panda delivering a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Ice King Tactile's softer sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a snappy and responsive typing sensation. With a strong and distinct tactile bump, the Holy Panda provides an immersive typing experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactility. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless feel, characterized by a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a more mild and refined tactile profile, the Ice King Tactile provides a different tactile experience compared to the sharp feedback of the Holy Panda.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and the Ice King Tactile switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and pronounced tactile bump with a loud "clack" sound, the Ice King Tactile offers a smoother and more subdued typing experience with a softer sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and desired level of tactility.ourcing the Holy Pandas at great prices offers a phenomenal typing experience with pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactiles blend creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a softer touch. It's important to consider factors like keycaps and boards when selecting a switch to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a sharp and invigorating tactile bump, along with a distinctive clack sound, then the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued tactile feel, with a focus on a polished and frictionless typing experience, then the Ice King Tactile could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on what feels best for your typing needs.
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