Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Pine are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is praised for its sharp tactility, offering a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is known for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth action, providing an effortless typing experience with minimal friction for smooth key travel. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Pine is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Pine both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, these switches produce a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for users looking for a more precise typing experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material. This difference in bottom housing material can have an impact on the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and either nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing in these switches offers a unique typing experience. While both switches share similar qualities in their top housings, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly alter the sound and feel of typing on each switch. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both the Holy Panda and the Pine provide a customizable typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is not mentioned, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Holy Panda is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Pine, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and force required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is the same, both measuring at 4mm. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that both offer a consistent and uniform travel distance for users. This means that regardless of which switch is used, you can expect a similar tactile feel and typing experience. However, the Holy Panda switch offers a tactile bump while the Pine switch is a linear switch, so the typing experience may feel slightly different even though the travel distance remains the same. Overall, both switches provide an equal travel distance, ensuring users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and distance traveled.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the Holy Panda is known for its bright and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Pine is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda emphasizing a sharp tactility while the Pine focuses on a smoother typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is celebrated for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a pronounced and snappy typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force. It is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Pine is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, featuring smooth and fluid keystrokes thanks to a factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. Both switches offer a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences, with the Holy Panda leaning towards a sharper feedback and the Pine towards a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Pine switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda delivers a bright and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Pine provides a buttery smooth typing sensation with a focus on minimal friction and effortless key travel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharp and snappy feedback or a smooth and creamy typing sensation, both the Holy Panda and Pine switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to tactile switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the characteristics that best match your preferences. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke and enjoy a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a buttery and creamy feel, the Pine linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that align with your typing style and preferences. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, so choose the one that best suits your needs for a satisfying typing experience.
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