Invyr Holy Panda vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts. The Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, offering a creamy yet lightweight feel. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented' and 'Snappy', the Keygeek Raw falls under 'Textured' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Invyr Holy Panda and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer unique characteristics. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates well. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch showcases a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This blend likely offers a different sound profile compared to polycarbonate, with potentially deeper tones.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Holy Panda utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch incorporates a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, exclusive to the Keygeek Raw lineup. This blend may offer different sound characteristics compared to nylon, potentially impacting the feel and sound of pressing down on the switch and bottoming out.
While the housing materials of the Holy Panda and Keygeek Raw switches differ in terms of their top and bottom components, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The unique qualities of each material contribute to the sound profile and feel of the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer a variety of characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, we see some differences. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is medium. Both switches have an unknown actuation force. The Holy Panda offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Keygeek Raw. The weight of a switch is important as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Keygeek Raw for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their weight characteristics, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holy Panda. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a small variance in travel distance can make a difference in feel and performance. Ultimately, whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of comfort and tactile feedback.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Holy Panda is known for its sharp and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, creating a bright and pronounced feedback that is unmatched in the world of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Holy Panda is characterized as offering an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, with a prominent tactile bump that is both snappy and immersive. The blend of pronounced feedback and firm actuation force creates a typing sensation that is unparalleled. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw is noted for its slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a creamy yet lightweight typing experience that serves as a great foundation for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. The Keygeek Raw's qualities such as being textured, mild, and subtle cater to those who prefer a gentler typing experience without overwhelming characteristics.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke, while the Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend and slightly textured feel. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer exceptional qualities that will cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and feel. If you prioritize a sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright "clack," then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel and the option to hand-lube for a customized experience, then the Keygeek Raw would suit your needs. Consider the actuation force, sound profile, and key feel that align with your typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
