Invyr Holy Panda vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Master are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, delivering a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Master stands out for its medium weight and smooth operation, offering a classic clacky sound signature. While the Holy Panda is known for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Master provides exceptional smoothness and a polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for sharp tactility or smooth operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Master, we see that they both have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Master comes with a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Holy Panda is clearly geared towards a more vibrant and resonant typing experience, whereas the POM in the Master provides a richer and more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Master also uses POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a more rounded and less crisp sound due to the properties of nylon and POM compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing.
Overall, while the Holy Panda and Dareu Master differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda offers a sharper and more resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Master produces a deeper and more subdued sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda and the POM bottom housing of the Master both contribute to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Holy Panda or a deeper sound with the Master, both switches deliver exceptional performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Master switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, with no information available about its bottom out force. This indicates that the Holy Panda is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Master is lighter in actuation force. The Holy Panda would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Master switch would be lighter and potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Master's 3.4 mm distance. The Holy Panda provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Master's shorter travel distance can appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Holy Panda catering to those who enjoy a deeper press and the Master catering to those who prefer a shallower, quicker 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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 best known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a unique acoustic resonance that is highly sought after by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Master switch from Dareu is described as having a classic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference, with the Holy Panda leaning towards a more pronounced feedback while the Master provides a medium weight clack.
Moving on to feel, the Holy Panda is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is both immersive and satisfying. With distinct characteristics like a prominent tactile bump and a super responsive feel, the Holy Panda delivers a unique typing experience that stands out among tactile switches. In comparison, the Master switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. While the Master switch may not offer the same level of pronounced feedback as the Holy Panda, its approachable qualities make it suitable for a wider range of users seeking a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Master switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Master switch provides a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. Depending on personal preference for either a more tactile and immersive typing experience or a smoother and gentler feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Holy Panda and the Master switch will depend on individual preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering your choice between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are seeking a switch known for its sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and immersive typing sensation, then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a classic clacky sound, exceptional smoothness in operation, and a more gentle typing experience, then the Master switch would suit your preferences better. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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