Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Light Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the tactile category but offer different experiences to users. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentler tactility, standing out from the sharper tactile switches in the market. It is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. While the Holy Panda delivers a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Light Tactile switch provides an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. If you value sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda might be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a gentler typing experience with a more subtle sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile could be your best choice. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics. The similarity in their top housing material ensures that users can expect similar sound profiles and lighting capabilities from both switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Holy Panda and Light Tactile switches use nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a quieter and rounder typing experience. While the top housing may impact the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Light Tactile plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the differences in material properties between polycarbonate and nylon contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing feels. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Light Tactile has a slightly lower actuation force of 52 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in terms of resistance. The Holy Panda offers a smoother actuation due to its undefined actuation force, which may result in a more consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile provides a lighter initial press, making it easier on the fingers during prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience and feel for users who prefer a tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is a crucial factor to consider for those seeking a specific key press feel in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the tactile switch realm. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentler sound profile, described as neutral, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Light Tactile's jelly-like sound signature provides a unique typing experience without being too overwhelming.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a snappy and reactive feel, offering a pronounced feedback that is both immersive and engaging. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel. The Light Tactile's angelic tactility offers a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while the Holy Panda switch excels in providing a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback with a bright "clack" sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentler and more neutral typing experience with a smooth and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Holy Panda or the gentle tactility of the Light Tactile, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the level of tactility and sound profile you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and pronounced tactile bump with a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a softer sound profile, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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