Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, there are clear differences in their features and characteristics. The Holy Panda is highly esteemed for its sharp tactility, offering a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is a linear switch that lacks specific standout features but provides a smooth and silent typing experience. While the Holy Panda is best for those who prefer a more accented and sharp typing feel, the Silent Ocean is ideal for users seeking a quiet and linear typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, the differences in the overall switch design may still result in varying sound profiles and feels.
On the other hand, both the Holy Panda and the Silent Ocean incorporate nylon 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 when typing on switches that use nylon housing. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making the nylon bottom housing a crucial factor in the overall typing experience of both switches.
While the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ in terms of their top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the two housings plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch, even if they share similarities in the materials used for their housings.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both fall under the category of medium-heavy switches in terms of bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, slightly heavier than the Silent Ocean's 65 grams. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Holy Panda does not provide a specific measurement, while the Silent Ocean requires 45 grams to actuate. This means that the Silent Ocean is lighter to press in order to register a keystroke compared to the Holy Panda, which could result in a lighter typing experience for the user. In contrast, the Holy Panda may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, whether someone prefers a lighter or heavier switch will depend on their personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance may result in a similar typing experience for users who prefer either switch, as the tactile feedback and smoothness of the linear switch are complemented by the shorter travel distance of the tactile switch. Overall, whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Silent Ocean switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Silent Ocean 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, thanks to its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the sound of the Silent Ocean is not specifically mentioned. However, the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is described as having an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that it provides a medium yet pronounced amount of tactile feedback, with a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Ocean is not provided in the information given.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda stands out for its unique and sharp tactility, delivering a satisfying and distinctive typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean's tactile feel is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should choose the Holy Panda if you are looking for a switch with a unique tactile experience and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. The Holy Panda's pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, linear typing experience. Consider your preferences and needs when selecting the switch that best suits your typing style.
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