Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is highly regarded for its sharp tactility, providing a bright "clack" sound with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a popular linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch is favored for its low-pitched feel and polished sound. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, crisp sound with a higher pitch, while the Gateron Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing produces a pointed, clacky sound that is not overly sharp. Both materials result in satisfying thin and high-pitched sounds, but the Holy Panda's polycarbonate housing is noted for its translucent quality, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Holy Panda's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a high-pitched and clacky sound profile similar to its top housing. Despite their different materials, both switches offer distinctive typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches differ in material, they each play a crucial role in the overall sound profile and typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate of the Holy Panda or the softer nylon of the Gateron Ink Black V2, both housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keypress, while the Ink Black V2 requires 60 grams of force to actuate, slightly heavier than the Holy Panda. Both switches bottom out at 67 and 70 grams respectively, providing a similar medium-heavy feel when fully pressed. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Holy Panda for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ink Black V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches provide a consistent and similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Ink Black V2, you can expect to get a similar feel in terms of travel distance when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, when it comes to travel distance, both switches offer the same level of comfort and responsiveness for typists and gamers alike.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Invyr Holy Panda switch is best known for its sharp and bright "clack" with each keystroke, reflecting its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a rich and deep tone during key presses. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Holy Panda will provide a more tactile and sharp auditory experience compared to the smoother and mellower sound of the Ink Black V2. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard type and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. These qualities create a typing sensation that is immersive and reactive, with a strong and crisp tactile bump felt distinctly with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. While the Holy Panda switch offers a more pronounced and tactile typing feel, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda provides a sharp and tactile sound with pronounced feedback, while the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Holy Panda delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, while the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on the user's personal typing style and preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is the way to go. Their pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make them a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound (Holy Panda) or smoothness and a rich sound profile (Ink Black V2). Choose the switch that best fits your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized typing experience.
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