Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Its blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance sets it apart, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, offers a unique typing experience with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke. This switch is a great choice for those who enjoy a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum, we see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This means that typing on both switches will result in a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. However, the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material between the two switches will result in a noticeable variation in sound when pressing and releasing keys.
Despite both featuring a nylon bottom housing, the Holy Panda and Cold Plum switches differ significantly when it comes to their top housing materials. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound when typing. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a softer typing experience. This distinction showcases how the material composition of housing components can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and Outemu Cold Plum switches highlights how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, the differing top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper sound, whereas the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the Holy Panda has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Holy Panda requiring 67 grams and the Cold Plum needing 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Holy Panda for a gentler typing experience, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Cold Plum. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, which provides a satisfying tactile feedback for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Cold Plum a popular choice for gaming setups. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Holy Panda with its longer travel distance. In terms of length, the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Cold Plum 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 best known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a distinct and memorable auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches are praised for their thocky sound profile, offering a unique typing experience that is enjoyable and distinct. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keycaps and keyboards, both switches offer a notable auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is known for its blend of pronounced feedback and sharp tactile bump, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The Cold Plum switches, on the other hand, offer a smooth keystroke and a satisfying feel, making them a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. While the specific descriptors of the Cold Plum switches in terms of feel are not provided, it is evident that both switches offer a different tactile experience that caters to the preferences of tactile switch enthusiasts.
Overall, the Holy Panda and Cold Plum switches offer distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Holy Panda is cherished for its sharp tactility and bright sound profile, the Cold Plum switches provide a thocky sound and smooth keystroke that create a different typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, ultimately allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, with either switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that will enhance their overall satisfaction with their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it's the sharp tactility of the Holy Panda or the enjoyable sound of the Cold Plum, choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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