Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the KTT Miaowu, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly loud "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch by KTT boasts enhanced stem stability and a smooth keystroke action, thanks to its POK stem technology. While the Holy Panda offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Miaowu shines with a bouncy and clacky feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Miaowu utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to support RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switches. The choice of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound that is distinct and satisfying to the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and the Miaowu opt for nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique tactile experience to the switches. Despite the difference in materials between the top and bottom housing, both switches benefit from the acoustic properties each material brings, enhancing the overall typing experience for the user.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Both the Holy Panda and the Miaowu aim to provide a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience by combining the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings. Whether a user prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is unknown. The Miaowu, on the other hand, has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Miaowu the lighter of the two switches. The Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Miaowu offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. Despite having different force requirements, both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holy Panda. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on your typing style and personal preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so it's important to consider what feels best for you when choosing between the two.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 offers a unique and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is highly sought after by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is described as producing a clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup, but the Holy Panda leans towards a more pronounced and iconic sound compared to the Miaowu.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience that is both responsive and immersive. The switch is noted for its pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Holy Panda focuses on a sharp and invigorating tactile experience, the Miaowu offers a more playful and bouncy feel during typing.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Miaowu switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a bright, clacky sound with pronounced feedback and sharp tactility, while delivering an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, offering a smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the sharp and immersive experience of the Holy Panda or the lively and bouncy feel of the Miaowu switch. Both switches are unique in their own right, providing a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the type of experience you are seeking. If you prioritize a sharp tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smoother keystroke action and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.