Invyr Holy Panda vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Neptune present distinct choices for enthusiasts. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the TTC Neptune offers a unique experience with its innovative internal structure, delivering a smooth, almost frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. The Neptune's ultralight design ensures swift typing, while its muted sound signature maintains a refined ambiance. While the Holy Panda excels in accentuated feedback, the Neptune showcases a buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile. Each switch offers its own strengths and characteristics, but diving deeper into their nuances will help determine the best fit for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
41g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Neptune, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, giving users a different tactile feedback when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with variations in sound and feel based on the housing material used.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Holy Panda's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing brings a sharper and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance in keystrokes. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Neptune ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and tactile feedback, with the Holy Panda offering a mix of polycarbonate and nylon for a well-rounded experience, while the Neptune focuses on POM and polycarbonate for a deeper and more muted sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and more soothing typing experience, both switches deliver quality performance with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch to the TTC Neptune linear switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Neptune only requires 50 grams to bottom out, which is considered light. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is unknown, while the Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams. This means that the Neptune is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Holy Panda. Some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Neptune for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holy Panda. Both are within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being on the longer end and the Neptune being slightly shorter. Depending on personal preference, a shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, which is favored by gamers, while a longer travel distance may offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 is best described as producing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, offering a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the tactile switch realm. On the other hand, the Neptune is known for its low-pitched and muted sound signature, creating a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance during typing sessions. The Holy Panda offers a more pronounced and distinctive sound experience, while the Neptune provides a quieter and more subtle typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is recognized for its sharp tactility and invigorating typing sensation, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each key press. The Neptune, on the other hand, provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience, characterized by a smooth and effortless glide with a unique matte feel. While the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced feedback and snappy key feel, the Neptune emphasizes a smoother and more uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright sound profile, making it a top choice for tactile switch enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch excels in providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a muted and low-pitched sound signature, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more subdued auditory experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize sharp tactility and pronounced feedback (Holy Panda) or a smooth and buttery typing experience (Neptune).
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth, frictionless glide and a matte feel, the Neptune could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a muted sound signature with a neutral feel, the TTC Neptune might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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