Invyr Holy Panda vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who value pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its weightiness without featuring a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience with a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Holy Panda is accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Plum is neutral, mild, and stepped. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Kailh Plum feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches where sound quality is a priority. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through for a visually appealing effect.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Holy Panda and the Plum utilize nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which results in sound absorption and a duller, rounder sound. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the Holy Panda and the Plum may differ in how these materials are distributed within the switch. The qualities brought by the top housing material, such as sound when pressing down a key, will be more prominent in the Holy Panda, while the qualities of the bottom housing material, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable in the Plum. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams. However, the actuation force of both switches is not specified. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom out force. Some users may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Plum for a more substantial typing experience, while others may appreciate the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Holy Panda for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Plum, which may result in a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and should provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Plum switch may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper feel when typing, the Holy Panda switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 is best known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Plum offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Holy Panda offering a more unique and pronounced feedback compared to the neutral sound of the Plum.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is lauded for its sharp tactility, providing an invigorating and snappy typing experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump. The switch offers a blend of pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Plum offers a mild and stepped tactile feel, with a gentle typing experience and a switch that feels like it has two stages. While not as intense as the Holy Panda, the Plum switch provides a comfortable and approachable feel for most users.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and Plum switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Holy Panda excels in providing a unique, sharp tactility and pronounced feedback with a satisfyingly bright sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound and a mild, stepped tactile feel that is comfortable and approachable for a wider range of users. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Kailh Plum tactile switches, consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience. If you value a sharp and invigorating tactile feel with a pronounced feedback and satisfying "clack," the Holy Panda may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force and a unique lack of strong tactile bump, the Plum could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience suited to different preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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