Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, it is clear that they offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky feedback without any specific notable features. Generally, if you prefer a switch with pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda may be the better choice for you. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Holy Panda and the Blue switches would offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Holy Panda utilizes nylon while the Outemu Blue also makes use of nylon as the material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the Holy Panda and the Outemu Blue would offer a distinct sound profile that sets them apart from each other.
In terms of overall typing experience, the housing materials of switches play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. With the Holy Panda featuring a combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the qualities of both materials will be evident when typing. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound when letting go of a key will be more influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue, with both polycarbonate top and bottom housings, would provide a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we can see distinct differences. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. In terms of weight, the Holy Panda would be considered heavier due to its bottom out force, while the Outemu Blue would be lighter based on the actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Blue for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Holy Panda more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch is both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they both offer the same amount of travel distance, allowing for a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Blue switch, you can expect a similar tactile feel and response in terms of key travel distance. Ultimately, both switches provide a standard travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 Holy Panda is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the realm of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Blue switch's sound profile is not specified, meaning its auditory experience may not be as distinct or unique as that of the Holy Panda. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by variables such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Holy Panda offers an immersive typing sensation with its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. The switch strikes a balance between providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating a responsive and lively typing experience. As for the Outemu Blue switch, information regarding its specific feel characteristics is not provided. Without this data, it is difficult to compare the tactile sensation of the Blue switch to that of the Holy Panda.
Taking into account the information presented, it is clear that the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch excels in both sound and feel aspects with its unique "clack" sound profile and invigorating tactile feedback. While the Outemu Blue switch may offer a satisfactory typing experience, the lack of detailed information makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of subjective qualities. However, based on the descriptions provided for the Holy Panda, it is likely that users can expect a more pronounced and immersive typing experience compared to the Blue switch. Ultimately, selecting a switch comes down to personal preference and how each individual values factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer an invigorating and snappy typing experience with a distinct and audible click sound, then the Outemu Blue clicky switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what factors you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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