Invyr Holy Panda vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It offers a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch is known for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing. It produces a crisp and clacky sound feedback, with the standout feature being the extended 22mm spring that gives each keystroke a uniquely bouncy sensation, elevating the overall typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing to different users, 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
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Jacaranda utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those who want to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer a comparable experience due to their shared top housing material.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a tactile typing experience for users who prefer a softer bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the Jacaranda also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with its deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in the bottom housing, providing a unique typing sensation that sets them apart from switches with harder bottom housings.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Jacaranda contributes to a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience. While the top housing dictates the sound profile when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. By utilizing these different materials in their housing construction, these switches offer a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Jacaranda has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is unspecified, whereas the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams. The Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's lighter bottom out force may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda offering a heavier option and the Jacaranda providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being on the longer side and the Jacaranda on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a shorter and snappier feel or a slightly longer and more substantial key press.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating an iconic and pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a crisp and audible feedback, leaning towards the clacky side, but with a unique bouncy sensation thanks to its extended 22mm spring. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda focusing on sharp tactility and acoustic resonance, while the Jacaranda presents a more gentle yet clacky sound with added bounce.
In terms of feel, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is praised for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a medium tactile experience that is firm and reactive. This creates an immersive typing sensation that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Holy Panda prioritizes pronounced feedback and high-intensity tactile bumps, the Jacaranda stands out for its smooth and effortless keystrokes, ensuring fatigue-free typing with its 43.5g gentle bottom-out force.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and PH Studio Jacaranda switches offer contrasting yet equally appealing qualities in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactile feedback and bright clacky sound, appealing to those who crave pronounced tactility and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out for its silky smooth feel and unique bouncy sensation, catering to typists who prioritize a gentle typing experience with a crisp and audible feedback. Regardless of your preference, both switches offer exceptional characteristics that will elevate your typing experience to new heights, ensuring a satisfying and immersive interaction with your keyboard.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp tactility with pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique bouncy sensation with a clacky sound signature, the Jacaranda would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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