Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the stark contrast in their known characteristics. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its unique tactility, offering a sharp "clack" with each key press that tactile switch enthusiasts find immensely satisfying. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf lacks a defining feature mentioned in its description. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Maple Leaf remains ambiguous in its classification. When choosing between these switches, one may be drawn to the Holy Panda for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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 Maple Leaf switches offer distinct qualities that impact the sound and feel of typing. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches provide different sound experiences based on their top housing material, with the Holy Panda offering a clear and resonant sound while the Maple Leaf produces a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Holy Panda and the Maple Leaf switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that they will offer a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a consistent deep and full sound profile, regardless of whether it is in the Holy Panda or the Maple Leaf.
While the top and bottom housings of the Holy Panda and Maple Leaf switches differ in material, the overall impact on typing experience is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. This division of qualities between the two housings provides a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Holy Panda’s polycarbonate top housing offering a crisper sound upon release compared to the Maple Leaf’s nylon top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Maple Leaf slightly lighter in this aspect. However, the actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, whereas the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force.
In terms of weight, the Holy Panda is on the heavier side compared to the Maple Leaf. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Maple Leaf for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holy Panda. Both switches fall within the average range of travel distances, with 4 mm being more traditional and 3.3 mm being on the shallower side. Gamers may prefer the Maple Leaf for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Holy Panda with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 Maple Leaf 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 switches are known for their satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Maple Leaf switches is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switches are known for being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. With a firm actuation force and a snappy feel, these switches offer an immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Maple Leaf switches is not provided, making it challenging to contrast their tactile experience with the Holy Panda switches.
Overall, based on the available information, the Invyr Holy Panda switches appear to excel in both sound and feel, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are unknown, if they are similar in design and construction to the Holy Panda switches, users may expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force and sound. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 67 grams and a sharp, bright tactile feedback with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force at 65 grams, and are looking for a switch with a different sound profile, you may want to opt for the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize the feel or sound of the switch.
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