Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Mallo are both tactile switches that offer unique and distinct characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo embodies subtlety and finesse with a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without overwhelming the user. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists in various environments. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as the Holy Panda's accentuated tactility and the Mallo's versatile typing experience, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for enhancing the sound and resonance of the switches, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing of both switches, however, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the top housing.
While both switches have similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The split qualities between the nylon bottom housing and the polycarbonate top housing result in a unique sound profile for each switch. Typing on the Holy Panda will emphasize the deeper sound profile created by the nylon bottom housing, while the Mallo will provide a crisper sound when letting go of a key, influenced by the top housing material. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and the Mallo offer different experiences based on their housing materials. While they share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda creates a deeper sound profile compared to the Mallo's nylon bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches can help enthusiasts choose the one that aligns best with their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Mallo tactile switches both have the same actuation force of None grams, meaning they require no specific force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Mallo's lighter 55 grams. This means that the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Mallo offers a smoother and lighter typing feel with its medium-light bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the Holy Panda for a more satisfying push feel, while others may opt for the Mallo for a more lightweight and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a heavier or lighter key press for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance may result in a similar typing experience for both switches in terms of how far the keys move when pressed. Overall, the travel distance of the Holy Panda and Mallo switches is identical, providing users with a consistent typing experience in this particular aspect.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Mallo is described as having a neutral sound signature that is not overpowering but provides just enough feedback to enhance the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but they both ensure an enjoyable typing sound without being disruptive in various environments.
Moving on to the feel, the Holy Panda is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is immersive for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Mallo offers a feathery and mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Holy Panda provides a more pronounced tactile bump, the Mallo's subtle tactility ensures a comfortable and approachable typing feel for a wider range of users.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and KTT Mallo switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda's sharp tactility and bright "clack" sound make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo's neutral sound signature and gentle tactility cater to users looking for a more subtle and versatile typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide exceptional options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience. Overall, choosing between the Holy Panda and Mallo switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering between the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Mallo tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are someone who prefers a more pronounced and invigorating tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility with a lighter bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, then the Mallo switch would be a better fit for your typing needs. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to analyze your typing habits and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Mallo switches will depend on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as a typist.
Mentioned in this article
