Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Type S offer unique experiences for users seeking different characteristics in their typing experience. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S stands out for its contemporary factory lubing techniques, offering a weightier keystroke and a pleasing balance of sound. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Type S falls into the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. If you prefer pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda may be the switch for you. However, if you lean towards a weightier keystroke and a neutral acoustic experience, the Gateron Type S may be the better choice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Type S switches have distinct differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Type S's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials are classic options, the polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Type S creates a rounder and duller tone.
The bottom housings of both switches also contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softness of the nylon material. Similarly, the Type S's nylon bottom housing helps create a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, due to its ability to absorb sound and provide a duller tone. With both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of the sound profiles created by these softer materials.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While the Holy Panda and Type S switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in their top housings affects the sound profile and feel of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda offers a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Type S provides a deeper and fuller tone. Understanding how these housing materials interact and impact the overall sound profile can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both have medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Type S at 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Holy Panda is significantly higher at an unknown value, while the Type S has an actuation force of 55 grams. The Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Type S offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions. Both switches provide a satisfying feel, but the Holy Panda is the heavier option for those who prefer more resistance while typing.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. This similarity allows for a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is ideal for those who prefer a standard key press feel without any extreme differences in distance traveled.
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 Type S comes in at $4.70 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 celebrated for its sharp tactility and bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, providing a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, striking a pleasing balance between a moderate actuation force requirement and a dampened sound when pressed. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so results may vary based on individual setups.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a satisfyingly immersive typing experience with a firm actuation force and snappy feel. These characteristics provide a pronounced feedback that can be distinctly felt with each keypress, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more intense typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S does not have specific descriptors mentioned, so the exact feel of the switch in comparison to the Holy Panda would need to be determined through personal experience.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and Gateron Type S switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactility and bright sound with pronounced feedback, while the Gateron Type S offers a more neutral sound profile and weightier keystroke experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, individuals can find a suitable option between these two switches. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, so trying out both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the Gateron Type S linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile, a weightier keystroke, and a more subdued sound signature, then the Gateron Type S might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
