Invyr Holy Panda vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, to the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Holy Panda is beloved for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. It offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored specifically for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches excel in scenarios where every millisecond counts. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
However, the differences between the Holy Panda and the V3 Silver Pro become apparent in their nylon bottom housings. The Holy Panda boasts a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. This means that both switches offer a more subdued and muffled sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housings. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from a stiffer top housing or a deeper, fuller sound from a softer bottom housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Holy Panda has no specified actuation force, making it uncertain compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, the Holy Panda does have a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Holy Panda more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Holy Panda provides a deeper key press experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro, which may appeal to those who prefer more resistance and a solid tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 switch is best known for its bright and sharp "clack" sound with each keystroke, providing a satisfying acoustic resonance that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, giving it a sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer distinctive sound experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Holy Panda emphasizing a bold and pronounced feedback while the V3 Silver Pro focuses on a more high-pitched and pleasing tone.
Moving on to feel, the Holy Panda switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation that immerses users in their typing experience. This switch provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving users a balanced typing feel. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch is designed to be easy-to-press, offering a low-impact and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. With features like creamy smoothness and feathery light actuation force, the V3 Silver Pro switch caters to gamers looking for effortless key presses and responsive feedback.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and needs. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and bright sound along with a pronounced and invigorating tactile feedback, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro focuses on a high-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press feel, emphasizing a low-impact and smooth typing experience tailored for gamers. While the two switches may offer contrasting qualities, users can expect satisfying results in their typing experience with either switch based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you should take into account your preferences and needs. If you value sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and an immersive typing sensation, the Holy Panda switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, with easy-to-press keys that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, then the V3 Silver Pro switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and desired feel.
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