Invyr Holy Panda vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Holy Panda is lauded for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action, perfect for those looking for a rich and satisfying 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Sky V4 differ in significant ways. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, making it a top choice for creating clacky switches. Both materials offer unique advantages, with polycarbonate focusing on sound quality and aesthetics, while POK prioritizes smoothness and longevity.
While the top housings of the Holy Panda and the Sky V4 differ, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a unique texture to each key press. Despite their other differences, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience, emphasizing the importance of this material in shaping the overall typing feel of the switches.
The combination of different housing materials in the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Sky V4 allows for a dynamic typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate for the Holy Panda or POK for the Sky V4, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting materials for each part of the housing, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. The actuation force for the Holy Panda is unknown, but for the Sky V4, it is 45 grams. This means that the Sky V4 is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Holy Panda. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky V4 for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for the desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holy Panda's 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, providing a sense of depth and resistance. On the other hand, the Sky V4's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for increased speed and agility. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Sky V4 being slightly shorter than the Holy Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth 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 Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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 renowned for its sharp tactility, creating a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch offers a deeper and more thocky sound due to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. While the Holy Panda provides a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Sky V4 delivers a rich and satisfying typing experience through its unique sound signature. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the bright and pronounced sound of the Holy Panda, while others may find the deep and thocky sound of the Sky V4 more appealing.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, with a sharp and snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Holy Panda focusing on a sharp and pronounced feedback, while the Sky V4 emphasizes a bouncy and lively feel. Depending on individual typing preferences, some users may favor the more pronounced and sharp feedback of the Holy Panda, while others may enjoy the bouncy and elastic feel of the Sky V4.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and Sky V4 switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Holy Panda provides a bright and sharp tactility with pronounced feedback, the Sky V4 offers a deeper and thocky sound with a bouncy and spring-like feel. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing a satisfying typing experience for users seeking unique tactile sensations. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both options offer high-quality performance tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a tactile switch with sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Invyr Holy Panda would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Sky V4 would be a great fit for your preferences. Consider the type of typing experience you desire, whether that be the satisfying clack of a Holy Panda or the rich thocky sound of a Sky V4, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing feel you enjoy the most.
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