Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a go-to choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with its linear design, appealing to those who prefer a gliding sensation while typing. While the Holy Panda is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Mamba is described as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Mamba, we see a clear distinction in the materials used for the top housing. The Holy Panda utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, clearer, and higher-pitched sound profile. This is ideal for those who prefer a more resonant and distinct typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Mamba incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright, albeit not particularly sharp. This contrast in sound characteristics highlights the different textures and properties of polycarbonate and the polymer nylon/UHMWPE blend.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and the Mamba feature different materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is relatively more muted. This difference in sound characteristics showcases the impact that different bottom housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Mamba differ in composition and sound profile, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda with its sharp and clear sound profile, or the polymer nylon/UHMWPE blend top housing of the Mamba with its pleasant and bright sound, each switch provides a distinct typing feel. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda and the POM bottom housing of the Mamba offer contrasting sound profiles, catering to different preferences for sound and feel. In essence, while the housing materials may vary, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and customizable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, the Holy Panda is heavier than the Mamba, which can affect the typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter Mamba for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier Holy Panda for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Holy Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mamba, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mamba's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distance, with the Holy Panda being the longer option and the Mamba being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Invyr Holy Panda switch is well-known for its bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a rich and creamy auditory experience, with a smooth and gliding typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, the Holy Panda tends to cater to those who enjoy a pronounced and sharp sound profile, while the Mamba offers a more neutral and thocky typing experience that is suitable for a variety of users.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a high feedback intensity and reactive typing sensation. It offers a blend of moderate to firm actuation force, creating an engaging tactile experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. The Mamba switch aims to provide a comfortable and approachable typing feel for users looking for a more subtle tactile feedback.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback with a bright clack sound, the Mamba focuses on delivering a smooth and creamy auditory experience with a gentle typing sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing sensation, a moderate actuation force, and a rich and creamy auditory experience, then the Mamba switch may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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