Invyr Holy Panda vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh their options between tactile and linear switches. The Invyr Holy Panda stands out as a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a balanced high-pitched sound and smooth actuation. The Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', while the Kiki Red is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing for a deeper and more muted sound. The differences in these materials result in contrasting auditory experiences for users, with the Holy Panda delivering a crisper sound compared to the Kiki Red's smoother sound.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches continue to showcase their individuality. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing offers a similarly deep and muted sound, creating a unique auditory experience that differs from the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing. Despite both switches aiming for a deeper sound profile, the distinct characteristics of nylon and POM materials set them apart in terms of tonal quality.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Holy Panda's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings results in a clear, resonant sound, while the Kiki Red's POM housings offer a deeper, more muted sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a smoother, deeper sound, both switches provide unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches, offering users a choice between distinct tonal qualities.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. However, the actuation force of the Holy Panda is unknown, whereas the Kiki Red requires 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Holy Panda may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing feel which may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holy Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red, which could result in a slightly more pronounced pressing sensation when using the switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being on the longer end and the Kiki Red being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 switch is best described as providing a satisfyingly bright and sharp "clack" with each keystroke, while the Kiki Red switch offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance. Both switches aim to deliver a distinctive auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience for enthusiasts. However, the specific sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and overall build quality of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is characterized by its pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, sharp tactile bump, and snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to its creamy and frictionless feel, as well as a polished finish that results in sleek key travel. Both switches aim to provide a tactile experience that meets the preferences of enthusiasts, with the Holy Panda focusing on sharp tactility and the Kiki Red offering a more refined and smooth typing feel.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and Kiki Red switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and pronounced feedback with a bright "clack" sound, the Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual preferences of the user, whether they seek a more intense and sharp tactile experience with the Holy Panda or a smoother and more refined typing feel with the Kiki Red. Overall, both switches aim to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda is the switch for you. This switch offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience that is both snappy and immersive. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, the Kiki Red may be more suited to your liking. Offering a creamy and frictionless typing experience, these switches provide a subtle yet smooth tactile feedback that is easy to press and responsive. Consider the sound, feel, and typing experience that best fits your preferences when making your decision between these two exceptional switches.
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