Invyr Holy Panda vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jwick Taro are tactile mechanical keyboard switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks, all packaged in a comfy subdued color scheme. While the Holy Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Taro is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', 'Stepped'. If you're looking for a switch with pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with crisp clacks, the Taro could be the perfect fit 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jwick Taro is that the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro has both a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity in sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches offer a balance of clear resonance from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper tone from the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jwick Taro benefit from the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing, making them ideal choices for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for the illumination of the switches, adding a visually appealing touch to any keyboard setup. However, the visual impact of the housing materials is where the similarities end, as the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda and Taro switches significantly impacts the sound experience of typing on these switches. While the top housing may have a more noticeable effect on the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of bottoming out the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Jwick Taro ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. Both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to a balanced sound profile, with the polycarbonate top housing providing clarity and resonance while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both the Holy Panda and Taro switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by their thoughtfully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of None grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a weight of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press down the keys with both switches. When considering the weight of a switch, it is important to note that some may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Taro switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Holy Panda being on the longer end of the spectrum. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Taro a popular choice for gaming setups. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Holy Panda for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 it comes to sound, the Holy Panda is known for its bright and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, while the Taro offers a medium-level of tactility with acute and crisp clacks. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that can enhance the typing sensation for users who appreciate distinct sound profiles. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is described as offering pronounced feedback with a sharp and snappy tactile bump, creating an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Taro is characterized as having a buttery and stepped feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with mild tactility. Each switch offers a different typing experience, catering to users who prefer either a more intense and responsive feel or a smoother and more uniform one.
Overall, the Holy Panda and Taro switches both have their unique qualities that can appeal to different preferences among tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Taro offers a comfortable typing experience with a subdued color scheme. Depending on whether you prioritize intense tactility and feedback or a smoother and more fluid keystroke, you can choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preference. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches will provide a better understanding of how each one performs and feels during extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and invigorating tactile feel with pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright "clack", the Holy Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and buttery typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and a cozy color scheme, the Taro switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most.
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