Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, offering a low "thocky" sound and thick resistance. While the Holy Panda caters to tactile switch enthusiasts with its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) appeals to budget enthusiasts seeking a versatile switch for both gaming and typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3), we see that the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing while the Milky Yellow Pro has a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique benefits, users may prefer the clear and crisp sound of polycarbonate or the duller and rounder sound of nylon based on personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and Milky Yellow Pro feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials means that when typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split can result in a balanced typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both housing materials for a satisfying overall feel.
While the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of the top housing, they share a nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on both switches due to the absorbent nature of nylon. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing may provide a sharper, more resonant sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience, with both options providing a satisfying and unique feel.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires a very light touch to trigger a keystroke, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda requires 67 grams to fully press down, making it a medium-heavy switch, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Holy Panda for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you can expect a similar feel in terms of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no notable difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 is best known for its sharp tactility that provides a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, resulting in pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is described as having a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer sound profile with a more mellow and satisfying tone. Overall, while the Holy Panda focuses on a bright and sharp sound, the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a deeper and more bass-heavy sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is celebrated for its invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that creates an immersive typing sensation. It is described as having an accented tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent in each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and textured feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. While the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced and reactive tactile feel, the Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a uniform and satisfying typing sensation.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda stands out for its bright and sharp sound with invigorating tactile feedback, appealing to enthusiasts who value pronounced tactility and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro excels in its bassy and thocky sound profile, along with a buttery and smooth typing feel that is ideal for those seeking a more relaxing and uniform typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with pronounced feedback and a bright "clack" sound, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Holy Panda's sharp tactility and invigorating feel make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low, "thocky" sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. Its budget-friendly price and versatility in both gaming and typing scenarios make it a solid option for all-purpose use. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches comes down to your preference for feedback and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
