Invyr Holy Panda vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a top choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring, appealing to a wider range of users. While the Holy Panda is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. 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
59g
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
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
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue also utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing for a similar effect. However, the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature, while the Tourmaline Blue incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their clear top housings, enhancing the visual appeal especially when paired with RGB lighting. The difference in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the materials used in their bottom housings. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's sharper and clearer sound produced by its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the distinction lies in the bottom housing material. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing or the crisper and sharper sound of the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience to cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy in this regard. The Holy Panda is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly stronger push for actuation. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Holy Panda may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. By considering the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches, users can determine which option aligns best with their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distances are the same, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to feel a consistent travel distance when pressing down on the keys.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory experience for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a pleasing typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue's sound is characterized as neutral, making it suitable for various users and purposes, while the Holy Panda's sound profile remains unmatched in the tactile switch realm.
Moving on to feel, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is described as having a sharp, snappy, and invigorating tactile feel, offering a medium tactile experience that is both responsive and immersive. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press typing sensation, offering a gentle and low-impact experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue's mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, while the Holy Panda's sharp and distinct tactile bump stands out for those seeking a more pronounced feedback.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a bright and clacky sound with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel, appealing to users who prioritize pronounced feedback and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, catering to a wider range of users with its gentle and approachable characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, along with an invigorating and snappy typing experience, then the Holy Panda may be the best choice for you. However, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press typing feel, then the Tourmaline Blue could be more suited to your preferences. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as the type of typing experience you are looking for, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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