Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, presents a unique dilemma. The Holy Panda is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright clack with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its smooth and affordable typing experience, offering a buttery smoothness and a pleasing, low-pitched thock sound. While the Holy Panda is labeled as sharp, invigorating, and snappy, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is categorized as buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. Each switch has its own unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
52g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This attribute contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel produced by their nylon bottom housings.
However, when it comes to the top housings of the Holy Panda and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), they differ in material with the Holy Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses nylon for this component. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material for the top housing will impact the sound produced when pressing down and letting go of a key on each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom components of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While both the Holy Panda and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) make use of nylon for their bottom housings, their differing materials for the top housings result in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound. By understanding the properties of these materials, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Holy Panda has a heavier bottom out force at 67 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams. The actuation force for the Holy Panda is unknown, while the Milky Red Pro requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Red Pro would be the better option due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the Holy Panda would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) 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 with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance regardless of whether they choose the Holy Panda or the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch. It is worth noting that the travel distance of 4 mm for both switches falls within the average range for mechanical keyboard switches, providing a standard typing experience for users of either switch.
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This creates a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is best known for its smooth keystrokes that evoke a buttery smoothness, paired with a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy and thocky sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that it provides a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still offers a prominent amount of tactility, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), on the other hand, is described as providing a buttery typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, offering a satisfyingly bright sound with each keystroke. The feel of the Holy Panda is invigorating and sharp, providing a tactile experience that is crisp and responsive. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is praised for its smooth and buttery typing experience, coupled with a low-pitched and pleasing “thock” sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactility with pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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