Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Laurel stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Laurel is praised for its medium-light linear feel, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its POM housing and short travel. While the Holy Panda is known for its pronounced feedback, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Laurel, we see a clear contrast in their top housings. The Holy Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. On the other hand, the Laurel features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Holy Panda is better suited for those looking for a crisper and more resonant typing experience, while the POM of the Laurel provides a more subdued sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we see a similar contrast between the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing and the Laurel's POM bottom housing. The Holy Panda's nylon housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel also contributes to a deeper sound but with a more muted tone. While both bottom housings offer a deeper sound, the nylon housing of the Holy Panda provides a rounder sound profile compared to the POM housing of the Laurel.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Laurel will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Holy Panda's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a distinct typing experience with sharp and resonant sound qualities. In comparison, the Laurel's POM top and bottom housing produce a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to those looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Holy Panda has a heavier bottom out force at 67 grams compared to the Laurel's 50 grams. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is unknown, while the Laurel requires 43 grams. This makes the Laurel the lighter option of the two switches. The Holy Panda, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Laurel's lighter actuation and bottom out forces would make it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required to type effectively.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Holy Panda's 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Laurel may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Holy Panda may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, whereas the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. The Holy Panda provides a more pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance compared to the Laurel's more mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can add to the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is often described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a blend of pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the Laurel is also noted for its snappy feel, providing a super responsive typing experience. Both switches offer a unique tactile or linear feel that caters to different preferences, with the Holy Panda leaning towards a more tactile and feedback-focused experience, while the Laurel offers a smoother and more linear keystroke.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Laurel switches present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and bright acoustics, the Laurel provides a more subtle and responsive linear experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prefer a tactile or linear typing feel. Rest assured, both switches are exceptional choices that will deliver a satisfying typing experience, with their own unique qualities shining through in your keypresses.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a sharp and invigorating typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, then the Invyr Holy Panda is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth and snappy feel that provides a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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