Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Luciola offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each key press. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, offering a smooth and bouncy typing feel. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Luciola is described as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Luciola switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. This results in a crisper sound profile for the Holy Panda and a slightly clacky sound for the Luciola. However, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements its top housing, contributing to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While the Holy Panda offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Luciola maintains a consistent thin and higher-pitched sound with its INK blend bottom housing. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for users.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Luciola switches prioritize creating a satisfying sound profile for users. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Holy Panda results in a clear and resonant sound while the INK blend in the Luciola offers a slightly clacky and pointed sound. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Holy Panda or the thin and high-pitched sound of the Luciola, both switches aim to deliver a unique typing experience that is enhanced by their specific housing materials. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile satisfaction regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Luciola has a lower actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The Holy Panda does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Luciola in that aspect. When considering weight, users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Luciola for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, the Holy Panda has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference between the two may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Luciola may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Holy Panda offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, but the slight variation could make a noticeable difference depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, while the Luciola produces a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Holy Panda being more pronounced and sharp, while the Luciola has a more distinct and bouncy sound. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches provide satisfying feedback that enhances the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is lauded for its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, creating a fluid and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, with the Holy Panda being more intense and the Luciola offering a smoother and more uniform typing sensation. Depending on the level of tactility you prefer in a switch, both options cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and bright sound feedback, while the Luciola offers a smoother and bouncier typing experience with a unique hollow sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality construction and design that will enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prefer a switch with a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a distinct "clack" sound profile, the Holy Panda would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and bouncy typing feel, with eye-catching glowing features and a responsive typing experience, the Luciola switch might be the better option. Consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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