Invyr Holy Panda vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and TTC Silent Brown both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. 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 Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile that appeals to those seeking a quieter option. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Holy Panda is more accentuated and snappier, while the Silent Brown is buttery and more polished in feel. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Brown, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a popular choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of the overall sound profile due to other factors such as the design of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and the Silent Brown feature nylon in this component. Nylon is known for elicitating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the similarities in housing material for the bottom of these switches, the overall typing experience and sound profile may vary due to other factors such as the stem design and spring weight.
Overall, while both the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Brown share similarities in their choice of housing materials, their overall sound profiles and typing experiences may be influenced by other factors such as stem design and spring weight. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, users can expect a unique typing experience from each switch, even if they share similarities in housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Holy Panda has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. On the other hand, the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force to actuate, providing a slightly more tactile feedback. In terms of bottom out force, the Holy Panda has a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 63.5 grams. This means that while the Holy Panda may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Silent Brown offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. The difference may not be significant, but it could be noticeable for users who are sensitive to such details. Overall, both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being slightly longer. For those seeking a more responsive key press, the Silent Brown may be the preferable option, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience each individual user is looking for.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
When it comes to sound, the Holy Panda switch is best known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the Holy Panda being more prominent and resonant, while the Silent Brown is more subdued and gentle.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is recognized for its accented and sharp tactile feedback, providing a snappy and invigorating typing sensation. These switches are described as having a moderate to firm actuation force, making each keypress feel immersive and responsive. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch is known for its buttery and mild tactility, offering a comfortable and gentle typing experience. The smooth and polished feel of the Silent Brown switch makes it easy to type on for extended periods without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a loud and sharp tactile experience, the Holy Panda switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be a suitable option. Both switches excel in their own right, providing tactile enthusiasts with a variety of options to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound profile, a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, and a rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a switch before making your decision.