Invyr Holy Panda vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a crisp and pleasing tactile experience. While the Holy Panda appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its bouncy and polished feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the top housing of the Holy Panda is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Holy Panda.
The use of different materials for the top housing in the Holy Panda and the V3 Piano Pro results in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda produces a clear and resonant sound, which is further enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their top housings, each will provide a different typing experience for users based on the material used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Holy Panda and the V3 Piano Pro plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of these switches creates distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the housing materials of each switch contribute to the overall typing experience and aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and the V3 Piano Pro will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda requires None grams of actuation force, making it lighter in comparison to the V3 Piano Pro, which requires 45 grams. On the other hand, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier than the V3 Piano Pro, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Holy Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. The actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference of users, with lighter switches being preferred for extended use and heavier switches for a more robust typing feel. In this case, users can expect a more pronounced typing experience with the Holy Panda due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter touch for more extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Piano Pro the shorter option compared to the Holy Panda. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will result in different feelings and experiences, with the Holy Panda offering a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Piano Pro.
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 V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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 Holy Panda switch is known for its sharp and bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the world of tactile switches. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by a snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing. While the Holy Panda offers a distinct auditory experience with its "clacky" and resonant sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro provides a smooth and pleasing sound during actuation.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as invigorating, with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. This switch offers a blend of moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, responsive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for enthusiasts. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switch is noted for its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation while offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. With a polished and silky finish, the V3 Piano Pro switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Holy Panda switch stands out for its unique sharp tactility and bright sound profile, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel that provides a different typing experience. Both switches provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound output. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience with a sharp, clacky sound, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky feel with a bouncy and polished sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro could better suit your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you find most satisfying. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing habits to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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