Invyr Holy Panda vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack," with the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch prized for its smooth and quiet typing experience, it becomes evident that each switch has its own unique advantages. The Holy Panda offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it an excellent choice for tactile switch enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel, making it ideal for those in need of a quieter switch for office or shared living spaces. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials used in the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Red switches are quite similar in terms of their construction. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Additionally, both switches have a nylon bottom housing that brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite their similarities, the Holy Panda and the Silent Red differ in the way the housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Holy Panda contributes to the sound when a key is released, creating a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Silent Red incorporates both polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in a similar manner, with the polycarbonate top housing affecting the release sound and the nylon bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound.
In summary, the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Red switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the way these materials interact with the switches differs slightly. The Holy Panda emphasizes the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound, while the Silent Red provides a balance between the top and bottom housing for an overall consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both have medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. However, the actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified while the Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch will be easier to actuate compared to the Holy Panda, providing a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent Red switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Holy Panda for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4.0 mm, slightly longer than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being slightly longer than the Silent Red. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red for faster response times, while those seeking a more substantial key press may enjoy the slightly longer travel distance of the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Invyr Holy Panda offers a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a unique and pronounced sound profile that is characteristic of tactile switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its muted sound profile, which minimizes noise and makes it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. While the Holy Panda provides a more distinct and sharp auditory feedback, the Silent Red offers a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile sensation that is immersive and responsive. The pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force make typing on Holy Pandas a tactile delight for enthusiasts. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. The consistent feel from top to bottom and the padded bottom-out feel add a level of comfort to the typing experience on Silent Reds.
Considering the information provided, the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing sharp tactility and an immersive typing sensation with its pronounced feedback, while the Silent Red stands out for its muted sound profile and smooth, comfortable typing experience. Which switch you choose ultimately depends on your preference for a more tactile feedback or a quieter typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with each keystroke, along with a pronounced "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience that is ideal for office or shared living spaces, with a buttery and polished feel, then the Silent Red is the perfect choice for you. Consider your environment, typing style, and sound preferences when making your decision between these two fantastic switch options. Ultimately, the Holy Panda excels in tactile feedback and sound, while the Silent Red shines in smoothness and silence. Make your choice based on what matters most to you as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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