Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer two distinct typing experiences. The Holy Panda is a tactile switch that is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch that offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Holy Panda. While it may not have the same tactile feedback as the Holy Panda, the Silent Yellow is categorized as being silent, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke. When considering which switch to choose, those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance may gravitate towards the Holy Panda, while those who prefer a quieter typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow. 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
60g
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
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles due to variations in other components.
On the other hand, both switches also use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound provided by polycarbonate. Despite having different top housings, the similarity in using nylon for the bottom housing may lead to a more consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the Holy Panda and the Silent Yellow switches.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches serves to provide a unique typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by each housing material allows users to feel a distinction between the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the sound influenced by the top housing when releasing a key. Whether using the Holy Panda or the Silent Yellow, individuals can expect a blend of sharpness and depth in the sound profile, thanks to the specific housing materials selected for each component of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Holy Panda has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. These differences indicate that the Silent Yellow requires a slightly lighter touch to activate a keystroke but ultimately exerts more pressure when fully pressed compared to the Holy Panda. This means that individuals who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions may lean towards the Silent Yellow, while those who seek a more robust typing experience might opt for the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is clear that their travel distance is identical, meaning users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Despite their similarities in travel distance, the Holy Panda offers a tactile bump while the Silent Yellow provides a smooth linear feel. Both switches are known for their quiet operation, with the Silent Yellow utilizing dampeners for noise reduction. In conclusion, while the travel distance for both switches is the same, the difference lies in their tactile response and sound profile.
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 Yellow 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, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the world of tactile switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow is not well-known. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as offering a blend of accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactile bump that is not overwhelming yet still prominent, along with a snappy and reactive typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda is celebrated for its unique and satisfying sound profile accompanied by pronounced tactile feedback, the qualities of the Silent Yellow switch remain largely unknown. Therefore, if sound and tactile feel are important factors for a newcomer in selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Holy Panda may be the preferred choice due to its well-defined characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should choose the Holy Panda if you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. The Holy Panda offers an invigorating typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a quiet typing experience. The Silent Yellow is a good choice for those who prioritize a smooth and silent linear switch. Consider these factors carefully in relation to your typing preferences when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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