Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Lupine offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The Holy Panda is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs that deliver a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, appealing to those who prefer a linear switch. The Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', while the Lupine is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Lupine feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for those who enjoy customizable lighting options. However, the use of polycarbonate in both switches means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when typing on either switch, as the material properties remain the same.
On the other hand, while the Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Durock Lupine shares the same nylon bottom housing material. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon compared to polycarbonate contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, providing users with a different tactile experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Lupine result in varying sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. While the polycarbonate top housings create a crisp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users can expect a well-rounded typing experience with each switch, as the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel during both key press and key release.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they do not require a specific force to initiate a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Lupine is lighter with a lower bottom out force, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Holy Panda's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we can see that the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda offering a more standard depth and the Lupine providing a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Lupine for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
The Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This iconic switch offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts when it comes to sound. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile thanks to its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. While the Holy Panda excels in offering a unique and sharp sound experience, the Lupine provides a more neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile typing experience with high feedback intensity and a responsive feel. In contrast, the Durock Lupine is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Holy Panda delivers a more immersive and dynamic typing sensation, the Lupine offers a comfortable and approachable feel for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Lupine switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright sound profile, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a more versatile sound and feel experience with its neutral sound profile and gentle yet polished typing feel, making it a suitable choice for a broader range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the factors of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump with a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower bottom out force and a consistent weight distribution with a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine linear switch could be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal typing style and the tactile feedback you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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