Invyr Holy Panda vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate between tactile and linear options. On one hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is hailed for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with every keystroke. This switch is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White offers a more subdued experience with its gentle linear switch design. Easy to push and featuring a soft sound profile, this switch is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, appealing to different preferences in typing feedback. 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
57g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is clear that they use different materials for their top housings. The Holy Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows light to pass through easily. On the other hand, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The contrast between the sharper sound of polycarbonate and the fuller sound of nylon can result in distinct typing experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Holy Panda and the Meteor White opt for nylon as the material of choice. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Holy Panda. This commonality in housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the nylon bottom housing on the overall sound profile of these switches is significant, adding to the tactile feedback and acoustic experience for users.
Overall, while the top housings of the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in material composition, their common use of nylon for the bottom housings allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. The distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon shine through in the sound profiles of these switches, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. Whether users prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Holy Panda or the deeper, fuller sound of the Meteor White, both switches offer a unique typing experience that showcases the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda having a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Meteor White's lighter 57 grams. This means that the Holy Panda will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Meteor White will offer a lighter typing experience, more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Despite the difference in weight, both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning that they will trigger keystrokes with a similar light touch, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and tactile feedback provided by both switches will be very similar. In terms of travel distance, there is no discernible difference between the Holy Panda and Meteor White switches, making them equally efficient in their keypress functionality. Whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, both of these options provide the same level of travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing experience for users.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, described as gentle and pitter-patter-like. While the Holy Panda provides a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Meteor White emits a softer and more neutral sound that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is known for its accented and sharp tactile characteristics, offering a high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. This creates an invigorating and snappy typing sensation that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Meteor White switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentler and more smooth typing experience. These switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a refined finish, resulting in a comfortable and approachable feel for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Meteor White provides a softer and more neutral experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and lively typing sensation or a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced feedback and sharp tactility, the Invyr Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. The Holy Panda's unique blend of tactile feedback and acoustic resonance will provide a satisfying typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you are seeking a gentle, linear switch with a soft sound profile and easy actuation, the SP-Star Meteor White would be more suitable for your needs. The Meteor White's subdued feel and gentle sound make it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. Ultimately, the decision between the Holy Panda and the Meteor White will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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