Invyr Holy Panda vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and Outemu Silver offer distinct experiences for users. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Tactile switch enthusiasts are drawn to the pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that the Holy Panda delivers. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch that falls under a different category altogether. While it may not have a specific standout feature like the Holy Panda, linear switch enthusiasts appreciate its smooth, consistent keystrokes. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Holy Panda might be the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and consistency in your typing experience, the Outemu Silver could be the better choice. 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
Standard
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 housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Outemu Silver both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this housing material, the differences in their respective bottom housings will contribute to variations in the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
In contrast, the Holy Panda and the Outemu Silver differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Holy Panda utilizing nylon and the Silver also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the unique characteristics of this material will influence the overall typing experience in a distinct way for each switch.
Considering how the top and bottom housings contribute to the sound and feel of typing on a switch, the differences between the Holy Panda and the Outemu Silver's housing materials will result in varying tactile feedback and sound profiles. The impact of each housing material can be felt when pressing down on the switch, with the qualities of the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches may share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the distribution of these materials will result in unique typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Holy Panda has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda requires 67 grams, slightly heavier than the Silver's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Silver switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Holy Panda for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in their travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the travel distance is not a factor that differentiates these two switches, making them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a 4 mm 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 Silver 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 switch is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that tactile switch enthusiasts cherish. On the other hand, the sound produced by the Outemu Silver switch is not commonly documented, making it difficult to compare directly.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is praised for its sharp tactility, providing a unique blend of pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that immerses the user in an invigorating typing sensation. With descriptors like "sharp" and "snappy," the Holy Panda offers a tactile experience that is distinctive and engaging. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not readily available, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and Outemu Silver switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Silver's qualities remain a mystery. It is essential for newcomers to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preferences when choosing between these switches to ensure a typing experience that aligns with their preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch with a unique and satisfying tactile feedback, the Invyr Holy Panda would be a great choice. With its pronounced feedback and bright "clack" sound, it is sure to please tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump and a smoother keystroke, the Outemu Silver would be a better option with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Consider your typing preferences and whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear action when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.