Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Holy Panda is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This switch is best suited for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is favored for its silenced version, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch appeals to those seeking a more muted typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one key difference is seen in the top housings. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both materials contribute to a distinct sound profile, with the polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, while the INK blend provides a satisfying clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Holy Panda is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the differences in material may result in varying levels of sound absorption and resonance.
When considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Holy Panda and Silent Ink Black may have different housing materials, their unique qualities combine to create distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have some notable differences. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is lighter in terms of pressure needed to trigger a keypress, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force. However, both switches have similar medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda at 67 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams. Some may prefer the Holy Panda for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while others may opt for the Silent Ink Black for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. The comparable travel distances of these switches make them suitable choices for those who value consistent key press feedback.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Holy Panda switch is best known for its sharp tactility, producing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This unique blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance sets it apart from other tactile switches, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter typing environments, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The muted sound of the Silent Ink Black switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, which collectively create an immersive typing sensation. The pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and snappy feel make each keypress a responsive and satisfying experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is characterized as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda switch excels in providing a sharp tactile feel and bright acoustic feedback, making it a top choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a quiet and cushiony typing experience, suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a pronounced click sound, the Holy Panda is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a quiet typing experience with a silky smooth feel and minimal sound, the Silent Ink Black is the better option. Ultimately, your choice will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, tactility, and overall typing experience. So, think about what matters most to you in a keyboard switch and make your decision based on that.
Mentioned in this article
