Invyr Holy Panda vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko Penguin. The Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is designed for noise minimization in office environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump that gives satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile. The medium weight of the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko Penguin switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Penguin has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. While the materials used in the top housing differ, both switches provide unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and the Akko Penguin switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect it has on the top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder compared to harder plastics. This consistency in housing material between the switches ensures that the typing experience remains consistent in terms of sound profile and feel, regardless of whether it is the top or bottom housing that is being engaged.
It is worth noting that the combination of different housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, may complement or contrast with those of the top housing, which has more influence on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of a switch can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier than the Penguin with its bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Penguin at 43 grams is lighter compared to the Holy Panda's unknown actuation force. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for extended typing sessions, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Holy Panda switch has a longer travel distance than the Penguin switch. The Panda switch may provide a deeper typing experience with more key travel, while the Penguin switch might offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a more responsive feel or a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so you are likely to get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 Invyr Holy Panda switch is best known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as having a muted sound profile, making it a quieter option ideal for office environments. While the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced and resonant sound experience, the Penguin provides a softer and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation with a firm actuation force. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a more gentle feel and lighter actuation force. The Holy Panda provides a more intense and feedback-rich typing experience, while the Penguin offers a smoother and more approachable feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko Penguin switches offer contrasting sound and feel qualities. The Holy Panda provides a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback with a bright sound profile, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts seeking a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a quieter and more gentle typing experience, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can choose between the more intense and lively typing experience of the Holy Panda or the smoother and subtler feel of the Penguin switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value a quieter typing experience, the Penguin switch with its rounded tactile bump, muted sound profile, and balanced feel could be the better option, especially for office environments or prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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