Invyr Holy Panda vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, a clear distinction can be made between their tactile and linear characteristics. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright clack with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky attributes, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback. While the Holy Panda is categorized as tactile, invigorating, and snappy, the Salt Ice switch falls into a different category. If you're looking for a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with bright characteristics and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice could be the perfect fit for you. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice helps create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Salt Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the Holy Panda and Salt Ice offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and richness of its sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharpness and clarity of its sound profile. This contrast in housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and tactile experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In terms of overall performance and sound characteristics, the Holy Panda and Salt Ice switches offer a balance of features through their choice of housing materials. The Holy Panda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a well-rounded sound profile that leans towards a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether one prefers a softer, more rounded sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Salt Ice will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that they offer different weight options for users. The Holy Panda has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unspecified. The Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a lighter feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda being on the heavier side and the Salt Ice offering a lighter typing experience. Users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Salt Ice, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Holy Panda for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The 4.0mm travel distance on the Holy Panda is more traditional and offers a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial press. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Salt Ice provides a shallower key press, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, with the Holy Panda offering a longer travel distance for a more pronounced key press, while the Salt Ice provides a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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, providing a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches shine with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While both switches are known for producing a distinct sound, the actual noise level and tone can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Holy Panda is described as an invigorating switch that offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It is known for being both snappy and accented, providing a balanced tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the specific feel of the Salt Ice switches. However, based on their characteristics of being light and clacky, they are likely to offer a smooth and responsive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is celebrated for its sharp tactility, bright "clack" sound, and a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustics, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a vibrant and responsive typing experience. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, providing users with options depending on their preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Holy Panda and Salt Ice switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfying clack sound, the Holy Panda may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch, vibrant feedback, and a bright and clacky sound, the Salt Ice switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whichever switch you choose, both the Holy Panda and Salt Ice offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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