Invyr Holy Panda vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out are the Invyr Holy Panda and the Durock Sea Glass. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each key press. Tactile switch enthusiasts love the pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that these switches offer. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock presents a captivating selection of five pastel colors and a distinct dry, wispy typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and frictionless, with a uniquely hollow sound signature. So, why choose the Holy Panda or the Sea Glass? Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 Durock Sea Glass, one can see clear differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp. While both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound, the Sea Glass's blend offers a more pleasant and nuanced auditory experience compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, we see further distinctions in material composition and sound characteristics. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sea Glass, which also utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing. This unique blend enhances the brightness of the sound profile, offering a different tactile experience than the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing.
When considering how the top and bottom housings work together to create the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is evident that both the Holy Panda and the Sea Glass offer distinct qualities. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Holy Panda's polycarbonate and nylon housings provide a sharper and fuller sound profile, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offer a brighter and more pleasant auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Sea Glass, which requires 45 grams of force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda requires 67 grams, which is heavier than the Sea Glass at 62 grams. This means that while the Sea Glass is lighter to actuate, the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Holy Panda is slightly longer than the Sea Glass. A 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but for some users, it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Holy Panda's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and how it affects their typing or gaming style.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 signature bright "clack" with each keystroke, while the Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature. The Holy Panda emits a satisfyingly loud acoustic resonance that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate, whereas the Sea Glass switches offer a quieter and airier typing experience due to its proprietary material blend.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switches are highly accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is satisfying without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. Overall, the Holy Panda switches provide a more pronounced feedback with a firmer actuation force, while the Sea Glass switches prioritize smoothness and lightness in typing.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda switches excel in providing a tactile typing experience with sharp feedback and pronounced tactility, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a more engaging and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches offer a unique blend of smoothness and airiness, making them suitable for users seeking a quieter and lighter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch will depend on your personal typing style and preference for feedback intensity.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a sharp tactile bump, pronounced feedback, and an invigorating typing experience, the Holy Panda may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth, frictionless feel, a gentle actuation force, and a light, feathery typing sensation, the Sea Glass switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
