Invyr Holy Panda vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is celebrated 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 Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs for a blend of tradition and modern innovation. While the Holy Panda offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Nixie provides a low-pitched thocky sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry Nixie, it is clear that both switches use 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 results in a duller and rounder sound overall. However, when looking at the top housing, the Holy Panda utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a more muffled sound compared to the polycarbonate of the Holy Panda.
While the bottom housings of both the Holy Panda and the Nixie are made of nylon, the top housings differ significantly in material and sound profile. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a more vibrant and distinct sound, while the Nixie's nylon top housing provides a softer and more muted sound experience. The distinct differences in sound profiles between the two top housing materials highlight how housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience on a keyboard. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda's housing allows for a visually appealing RGB lighting effect, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits to the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry Nixie plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in top housing material results in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Nixie produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie 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 no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams. However, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, compared to the Nixie's bottom out force of 80 grams, which is heavy. In terms of weight, the Holy Panda is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Nixie is heavier both in actuation and bottom out force. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance when using either of these switches. It is interesting to note that despite being different types of switches (tactile vs linear), they both offer the same travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent key feel across different switch types.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 is best known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is described as producing a deep and rich "thocky" sound, thanks to its substantial heft and textured typing experience. The Nixie's low-pitched tone adds to its classic appeal, giving users a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, sound preference is subjective and can be influenced by factors such as keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is known for its pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and sharp tactile bump that creates a snappy and invigorating typing sensation. The blend of accentuated tactility and sharp feedback makes typing on Holy Pandas an immersive experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie is described as having a textured feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can offer a unique typing experience, as some users prefer a bit of resistance in their switches for increased control and feedback.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Cherry Nixie switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a bright "clack" sound and a sharp tactile feedback, the Nixie presents a deep and rich "thocky" sound with a textured typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. Whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Holy Panda or the substantial heft of the Nixie, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Holy Panda if you value a bright "clack" sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and an immersive typing sensation. The Holy Panda's medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying typing experience without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, opt for the Cherry Nixie if you prefer a thocky and low-pitched sound, along with a textured typing experience. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, the Nixie offers a substantial and traditional typing feel that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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