Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. The Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it the ideal choice for tactile switch enthusiasts seeking pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a popular option for those who prefer a low-pitched, frictionless 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Strawberry, one can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Holy Panda utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry continues with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining a sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Holy Panda and the KTT Strawberry offer a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of the switches result in distinct tactile feedback and sound profiles. Pressing down on the switches will reveal the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while releasing the key will highlight the impact of the top housing on the sound produced. While the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the overall sharpness and clarity of its sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Strawberry can come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Holy Panda offers a deeper, fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Strawberry maintains a consistent sharp and clear sound with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a crisp and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in sound quality and typing experience from both switches, with slight variations based on the housing materials used.
Weight
Comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Holy Panda is heavier in terms of bottom out force, requiring 67 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Strawberry is lighter at 43 grams, while the Holy Panda's actuation force is unspecified. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of bottom out force. The choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Strawberry, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Invyr Holy Panda. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a satisfying key press and response, making both switches comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Strawberry switch, you can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience with a travel distance that is neither too short nor too long.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 is best known for producing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, emphasizing its sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Strawberry is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is renowned for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that it offers a pronounced tactile bump without feeling overwhelming, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the Strawberry is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. These qualities contribute to a fluid key travel and minimized resistance during typing.
Overall, the Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and distinctive "clack" sound, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing feel, making it a comfortable option for users who prefer a more frictionless and polished typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results based on their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry could be the ideal switch for your setup. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smooth actuation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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