Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, can be quite a quandary. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, offering a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ink Box Pink falls under 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Depending on your preferences for feedback and typing feel, one of these switches may be more suitable for your 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing. The Ink Box Pink's top housing, on the other hand, is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. While both housings provide a satisfying sound experience, the specific characteristics of each material result in slightly different sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Holy Panda uses a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also features a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch, with the nylon material providing a softer and more absorbent sound, while the INK blend bottom housing adds to the clacky sound profile of the Ink Box Pink switch.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Holy Panda and Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in material composition, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Holy Panda creates a mix of sharpness and fullness in sound, while the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provide a pointed and clacky sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that can enhance the typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences to the user. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. The Holy Panda is heavier when it comes to bottoming out, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Ink Box Pink offers a lighter actuation force, making it easier for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, with the Holy Panda being slightly longer than the Ink Box Pink. The Holy Panda may be preferred by those who like a bit more depth when pressing down on a key, while the Ink Box Pink may be favored by gamers looking for a quicker response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of travel distance that feels most comfortable.
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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 Invyr Holy Panda offers a bright and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, thanks to its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, providing a lighter typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, making them suitable for different preferences, whether you prefer a bright clack or a higher-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, giving a pronounced and snappy typing sensation. It falls under the category of accented switches, offering a medium tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still provides noticeable tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth feel and reduced friction during key presses. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to those who prefer a sharp and crisp feedback or a smooth and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda delivers a bright and satisfying sound with invigorating tactile feedback, while the Ink Box Pink provides a light and clacky sound with a silky typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, allowing you to achieve similar results in sound or feel based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing feel, a lighter keystroke, and a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better choice. Consider the attributes and characteristics of each switch described above and choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so make your decision based on what feels best for you.
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