Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Invyr Holy Panda, known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack," and the Gateron Quinn, which offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound. The Holy Panda is praised for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Quinn switches stand out for their rich and immersive sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their distinct characteristics; 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Quinn feature a top housing made of either polycarbonate or nylon. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Quinn's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate provides a clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the nylon offers a more muffled and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Holy Panda and the Quinn utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound and feel of the keypress as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Quinn will largely come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Holy Panda's combination of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound and a nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing provides a more uniform sound profile throughout the keypress. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences, ultimately delivering a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that the Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams. On the other hand, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them relatively equal in this aspect. The Holy Panda is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, the Quinn offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Quinn. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users, as it allows for a deeper key press. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can cater to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a tactile feel when pressed, but the difference in travel distance may impact the overall typing or gaming experience for individuals based on their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper key press or a faster response time.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 renowned for its unique "clack" with each keystroke, providing a bright and sharp tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch is described as having a bassy and resonant sound, which differs from the clacky and bright sound of the Holy Panda. Depending on personal preferences, users may enjoy the distinctive sound characteristics of each switch for a unique typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and snappy typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as snappy and bouncy, offering a spring-like and lively feel with each keystroke. Additionally, the Quinn switch is coined as polished, buttery, and creamy, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile bump, but the Quinn switch may appeal to users seeking a softer and more fluid typing experience compared to the sharper feedback of the Holy Panda.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and Gateron Quinn switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a bright and sharp tactile feedback with a distinctive clack sound, while the Quinn switch offers a deeper and more resonant sound profile with a smoother and buttery typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches present viable options for tactile switch enthusiasts. It's essential for users to test out both switches to determine which aligns best with their typing preferences and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you value a sharp and pronounced tactile bump with a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Quinn switches comes down to personal preference for tactile feedback and sound characteristics in your mechanical keyboard.
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