Invyr Holy Panda vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Red are two popular choices that cater to different preferences. 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 Cherry MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Holy Panda is classified as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the MX Red falls into the thocky, low-pitched, and textured category. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Invyr Holy Panda and Cherry MX Red switches both have nylon as the material for their bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of sound quality. However, the Holy Panda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda's top housing allows for a more resonant sound and is especially beneficial for those who want to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of sound production, the difference in housing materials between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Red is quite noticeable. While the nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a duller and rounder sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This contrast in sound quality can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Holy Panda offering a more distinctive and clear sound compared to the MX Red. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on either switch a pleasant and tactile experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry MX Red play a significant role in defining the sound profile of each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Holy Panda provides a unique and sharp sound profile, enhancing the typing experience for users who appreciate a more distinct sound. In comparison, the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Red offers a softer and fuller sound, creating a different typing experience for those who prefer a duller sound profile. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the bottom housing contributing to the overall sound quality of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the MX Red requires 45 grams of force for actuation, with no information provided for its bottom out force. The Holy Panda is considered medium-heavy due to its higher bottom out force, whereas the MX Red may offer a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force. Those who prefer a significant push feel may lean towards the Holy Panda, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent 4mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether one prefers the Holy Panda's tactile feel or the MX Red's linear feel, the travel distance remains constant for both switches.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch is best known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda offering a more pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance compared to the MX Red's deeper sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch stands out for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force. The switch is described as accented and snappy, offering a pronounced tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer noticeable friction when typing. The MX Red provides a robust typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, combining responsiveness with a smoother texture compared to the Holy Panda.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda switch excels in providing a sharp tactility and pronounced feedback with a bright "clack" sound, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel, appealing to users looking for a deeper sound and slightly heftier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the MX Red could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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