Invyr Holy Panda vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and distinctive "clack" with each keystroke, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience and unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Holy Panda provides an invigorating and snappy typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more clacky and silky feel. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile similar to its top housing.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda and Lightning Silver V3 switches showcase how the housing materials can impact sound and feel differently. The nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 continues the theme of creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. These distinctions in housing materials highlight how the choice of materials can influence the overall experience of using a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, it is evident that the housing materials chosen for mechanical keyboard switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. While both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing the right switch for their needs.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch reveals some differences in weight and feel. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it on the medium-heavy side, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Holy Panda, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Holy Panda offering a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Holy Panda offers a deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and may be favored by gamers looking for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. If you prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Holy Panda would be the way to go, but if you're looking for a slightly shorter travel distance for faster typing or gaming, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 tactile switch is best known for providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke due to its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda focusing on a bright and clacky sound while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a crisp and high-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is renowned for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a snappy and reactive typing experience. Described as accented, the Holy Panda offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying tactile bump with each keypress. In comparison, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is characterized as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Lightning Silver V3 focuses on providing a seamless and comfortable typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a smoother key press.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is best suited for tactile switch enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and clacky sound with pronounced tactile feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those seeking a smooth and silky typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both switches have their unique strengths, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional performance and can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, a sharp tactile bump, and a satisfyingly bright sound, the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better option. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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