Invyr Holy Panda vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, to the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch, one can see that they offer unique typing experiences. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is praised for providing a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Holy Panda offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Polaris Gray delivers a low-pitched and mild typing experience. Both switches have their own characteristics and appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. On the other hand, the Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Polaris Gray opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharper sound profile throughout the switch.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a smoother and more muted bottom-out sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile, catering to those who prefer a crisper typing sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials highlights how each component plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Polaris Gray may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches offer a sharp and high-pitched sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials provides a unique typing experience for each switch. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing or the crisper and sharper sound of the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have different actuation forces, with the Holy Panda having an actuation force of None grams while the Polaris Gray's actuation force is also None grams. However, they both share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of the force required to fully depress the key. This means that while the initial actuation may feel different between the two switches, the overall typing experience in terms of the force needed to bottom out will be similar. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holy Panda may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Polaris Gray switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. It's worth noting that a travel distance of 4 mm is considered standard for many mechanical keyboard switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 tactile switch is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a unique and resonant sound profile that is favored by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky characteristic. Depending on your preference, the Holy Panda provides a more pronounced and intense sound experience, while the Polaris Gray delivers a smoother and milder typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as providing an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation, with an accented feedback ensuring a responsive and lively typing experience. The switch offers a snappy and pronounced tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The Polaris Gray switch is designed to provide a comfortable and polished typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch excels in providing a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound that is favored by tactile switch enthusiasts seeking an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, providing a mild and polished tactile sensation for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a more intense and resonant typing experience with the Holy Panda, or a smoother and milder typing experience with the Polaris Gray.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and tactile feedback with a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda would be a great choice for you. The Holy Panda's pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation make it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch may be more suitable for your needs. The Polaris Gray's mild and polished characteristics offer a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feedback, sound, and typing feel.
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