Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both tactile switches. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, delivering 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 Phalaenopsis stands out for its light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue. The 50g tactile force provides a discernible bump, ensuring a delightful typing experience. Each switch is unique in its own way, offering different qualities that cater to specific preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Phalaenopsis lies in their bottom housings. The Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This means that the typing experience on these switches will be noticeably different, with the Holy Panda offering a more muted and rounder sound, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a clearer and resonant typing experience.
In contrast, both the Holy Panda and the Phalaenopsis share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. With this similarity in top housing material, users can expect a consistent sound when pressing down on keys for both switches. However, the different bottom housings will still affect the overall typing experience, as the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Phalaenopsis will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Holy Panda offers a softer and fuller typing sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a consistent sound when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, users will need to consider whether they prefer a deeper and rounder sound or a sharper and clearer sound when deciding between these two switches.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Phalaenopsis has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, while the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Holy Panda with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. Due to the equal travel distances, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the typing experience and tactile feedback provided by these switches. In terms of the travel distance itself, both switches offer a moderate distance that allows for a satisfying key press without requiring too much force. Overall, whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Phalaenopsis switch, you can be confident in the consistency of the travel distance and typing experience provided by both.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Holy Panda switch is known for its sharp and bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. While both switches may have different sound characteristics, the overall sound experience will depend on factors such as keyboard housing and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation with a pronounced tactile bump. In comparison, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile feedback with a unique two-stage sensation during key presses. While the Holy Panda switch offers a more intense and reactive typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch focuses on a smoother and more gradual tactile feedback for a comfortable typing session.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Phalaenopsis switches, it is evident that both switches offer distinct characteristics catered to different preferences. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and crisp tactile feedback with a bright clack sound, appealing to those who prefer a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a smoother and more gentle tactile feedback with a deeper and richer sound profile, suitable for users seeking a more relaxed typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, ensuring that both options provide a delightful typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp tactility with pronounced feedback, then the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more effortless typing experience with a discernible tactile bump, then the Phalaenopsis could be the better option. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a bright "clack" sound profile, the Holy Panda is the way to go, while if you prefer a deeper and rich sound profile during key presses, the Phalaenopsis may suit your preferences. Ultimately, consider your typing style and preferences when making a decision between these two tactile switches to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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