Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Lotus offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is highly acclaimed for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a top choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Lotus provides a smooth linear experience with no specific standout feature. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Lotus does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different users, so choosing between them depends on individual preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
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
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Lotus offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic material. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of these switches.
Both the Holy Panda and the Outemu Lotus feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the tactile typing experience. While the top and bottom housings may be different, both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings. This shared characteristic ensures that users will enjoy a consistent sound profile when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Holy Panda and the Outemu Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda provides a clear and resonant sound, whereas the nylon top housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches incorporate nylon bottom housings, which enhance the overall sound profile with their sound-absorbing properties. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the actuation force for the Holy Panda is unknown, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Lotus may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Holy Panda with a potentially heavier actuation force could be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holy Panda. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Holy Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for typing or gaming experience.
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 Lotus 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
When it comes to sound, the Invyr Holy Panda has a reputation for producing a distinct "clack" with each keystroke, thanks to its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown and may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps it's paired with.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile qualities, providing a satisfying typing experience that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remains a mystery, as there is no available information on its tactile profile and feedback.
Overall, while the Holy Panda excels in providing a unique and satisfying typing experience with its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Outemu Lotus linear switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with guaranteed tactile excellence, the Holy Panda is a solid choice. However, if you prefer linear switches and are willing to take a chance on the unknown, the Lotus may also offer a pleasant typing experience. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in switch selection, so ultimately, it may be best to try out both switches for yourself to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should choose the Holy Panda if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound. The Holy Panda provides an invigorating and sharp typing experience that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch, the Lotus may be the better option for you. The Lotus offers a different typing experience without the tactile feedback that the Holy Panda provides. Consider your typing preferences and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the one that best suits your needs.
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