Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Holy Panda is a tactile switch that is highly regarded for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its short travel distance, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. If you prefer a switch with pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a more quiet and smooth typing experience, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a crisp and clear sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and muted sound profile, catering to individuals who enjoy a softer and more subdued typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Holy Panda utilizes nylon, which produces a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, providing a unique and pleasing typing experience that emphasizes a deeper tone compared to other housing materials.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the Holy Panda and the Smoothie Silver, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. While the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound or a deeper and muted one, both the Holy Panda and Smoothie Silver offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that their actuation forces and bottom out forces vary significantly. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This makes the Holy Panda a heavier switch overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm. The Holy Panda offers a more traditional and deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and may be favored by gamers seeking quick and precise key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, the Holy Panda is renowned for its bright "clack" with each keystroke, thanks to its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound, offering a unique auditory experience with its all-POM construction. The choice of board and keycaps can further influence the sound produced by these switches, but both switches offer distinct and satisfying audio feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is described as having an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, providing a balanced tactile experience that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. This switch also offers a snappy and responsive typing sensation, making each keypress enjoyable and immersive. On the other hand, the feel of the Smoothie Silver is not explicitly described, but it is known for its smoothness, feather-light touch, and short travel distance for quick actuation. While the exact tactile characteristics of the Smoothie Silver may differ from those of the Holy Panda, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactile feedback and a bright clack sound, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its smoothness, quick actuation, and thocky sound, catering to those seeking a lightning-fast and quiet typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, both switches have their own strengths and can provide a rewarding typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and the Smoothie Silver comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should opt for the Holy Panda if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactility with bright clacking sound. The Holy Panda is a great choice for tactile switch enthusiasts looking for pronounced feedback and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch with lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver is the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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