Invyr Holy Panda vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright “clack” sound with each keystroke, making it a top choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the MX Brown provides a more textured and bassy typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, making them great options for different types of users. 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
55g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Brown switches are both described as classic switch housing materials - nylon. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Holy Panda switches also incorporate a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to a more clear and resonant sound with the Holy Panda switches, compared to the Cherry MX Brown switches.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Invyr Holy Panda switch allows for a more aesthetically pleasing experience, especially when using RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches and creates a unique lighting effect. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches do not feature polycarbonate in their housing, which may result in a less visually striking appearance. However, both switches still offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper sound profile during typing.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Brown switches will depend on personal preference for sound and aesthetics. The Holy Panda switches may be preferred for those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as the added visual appeal of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches may be favored by users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a quality typing experience and can provide similar results in terms of performance.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the MX Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. Although the actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, the MX Brown requires 45 grams, indicating that it is lighter compared to the Holy Panda. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Brown for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Holy Panda or the MX Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback provided by the switch. While some switches may have shorter or longer travel distances, the Holy Panda and the MX Brown offer a balanced and consistent experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch is best known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This switch offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, creating a unique and vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Holy Panda's sound is more pronounced and distinct, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a more vibrant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is renowned for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. These characteristics provide a immersive typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force, making each keypress feel responsive and satisfying. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured, offering a subtle tactile experience with noticeable friction when pressed. While the MX Brown switch may appeal to users who prefer a smoother typing experience, the Holy Panda switch stands out for its lively and engaging tactile feedback.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, providing a unique and immersive typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. Its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback create a satisfying "clack" sound with each keystroke, while the invigorating and snappy feel offers a responsive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a subtler sound and textured feel, catering to users who prefer a lighter tactile experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the vibrant and lively Holy Panda switch or the smoother and more subdued Cherry MX Brown switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda or the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with pronounced feedback, sharp tactility, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subtle sound, the MX Brown could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what feels best for your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and MX Brown comes down to what you value most in a tactile switch – whether it be pronounced feedback and brightness or subtlety and lightness.
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