Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer distinctive experiences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, appealing to those who prefer a seamless and consistent typing experience. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Jupiter Red are quite similar, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect a consistent experience with both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Jupiter Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, users can still expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile between the Holy Panda and the Jupiter Red.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing in the two switches creates a well-rounded typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow users to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether typing on the Invyr Holy Panda or the Gateron Jupiter Red, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a mix of sharpness, crispness, and depth in sound profile, providing versatility for different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has no specified actuation force, making it unknown, while the Jupiter Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Holy Panda is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 60 grams. This means that the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Jupiter Red offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and tactile feedback. Due to their equal travel distances, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference in this aspect between the two switches.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Holy Panda is best known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, while the Jupiter Red is described as having a more neutral sound profile. Sound is a subjective quality that can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactile bump, creating an invigorating and snappy typing experience that tactile switch enthusiasts love. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is known for its smooth and polished feel, offering a creamy and silky typing sensation that is gentle and approachable to most users. The feel of a switch is crucial as it directly impacts the typing experience and overall user satisfaction.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Holy Panda and Jupiter Red switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Jupiter Red focuses on offering a smooth and polished feel with a medium-heavy actuation force. Both switches have their unique strengths, and ultimately the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. If one is seeking a more pronounced feedback and acoustically resonant typing experience, the Holy Panda would be the preferred choice. Alternatively, those looking for a smoother and more consistent typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options in their respective categories, providing users with a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, consistent typing experience with a medium actuation force and softer backlight effects, then the Jupiter Red would be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing style, preferences, and needs to determine which switch would best enhance your overall typing experience.