Invyr Holy Panda vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Snow, a linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POM material, resulting in a smoother and deeper sound signature. If you prefer a more neutral and bouncy typing feel, the Snow switch might be the better choice for you. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and Dareu Snow both utilize different housing materials in their switches, resulting in distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. On the other hand, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to smooth and clacky switches. Despite the different materials, both the polycarbonate and POK housings offer unique benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, with the former being ideal for RGB lighting setups and the latter for a smooth typing experience.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Holy Panda and Snow switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar experience in terms of typing sound characteristics. This material choice contributes to a more muted and rounded typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Overall, while the Holy Panda and Dareu Snow switches differ in their top housing materials, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the POK top housing of the Snow results in smooth and clacky switches. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound for a rounder typing experience. Each housing material brings its unique qualities to the overall typing feel and sound of the switches, making them distinct choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Holy Panda is 67 grams, making it heavier than the Snow, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Holy Panda the heavier switch between the two. The difference in weight can impact typing comfort and feel, with some preferring the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions and others preferring the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Holy Panda the longer of the two switches. The Holy Panda's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more tactile typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keypress. On the other hand, the Snow's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter and quicker typing experience, which can be favored by gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Holy Panda focusing on depth and tactility, while the Snow prioritizes speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is highly sought after by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature due to its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a thocky, deep, and rich sound when typing. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a bright and clacky sound experience, the Snow offers a unique and deep sound profile for those looking for a different auditory experience when typing.
With regard to feel, the Holy Panda is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, sharp tactile bump, and snappy typing experience that immerses users in a satisfying typing sensation. Conversely, the Dareu Snow linear switch is labeled as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Holy Panda focuses on offering a sharp and responsive tactile experience, the Snow emphasizes a bouncy and lively feel that may appeal to those seeking a different type of physical feedback when typing.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda provides a sharp and bright sound with prominent tactile feedback, while the Snow offers a deeper sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, users can expect contrasting but equally satisfying results when using either the Holy Panda or the Snow switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack," then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel, then the Snow switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Snow switches comes down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound.
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