Invyr Holy Panda vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is favored 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 Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. It also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, setting it apart from other linear switches. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches utilize unique materials for their top housings. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings aim to provide a distinct sound experience, the choice between polycarbonate and the KTT blend ultimately comes down to personal preference for the type of sound profile desired.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Comparatively, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, prized for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. While both bottom housings serve to impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda offers a softer sound experience, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smoother and more durable switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda produces a sharper sound, the proprietary KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a distinctive clacky sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda creates a deeper sound profile, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a smooth and durable experience. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch are quite different. The Holy Panda has a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a light bottom-out force of 48 grams. However, the actuation force of the Holy Panda is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream may be preferred by those who want a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom-out force of the Holy Panda may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but the Holy Panda is heavier overall in terms of bottom-out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within a reasonable range of travel distances, with the Holy Panda offering a bit more depth compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more appealing. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press sensation, the longer travel distance of the Holy Panda may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that will provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Holy Panda focuses on a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Vanilla Ice Cream gives typists a smooth and creamy feel paired with a high-pitched sound profile that sets it apart from other switches.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch is revered for its accentuated tactile bump that offers a sharp and snappy sensation with each keypress. This invigorating switch provides a firm actuation force and pronounced feedback, creating an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a buttery and creamy typing experience that feels smooth, fluid, and effortless. The use of lubricant in the switch or specific materials contributes to the sensation of gliding fingers across the keys with ease, akin to melting into each keystroke.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Holy Panda excels in sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and acoustic resonance, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance the enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for tactile feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with sharp tactility and a bright "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and creamy typing experience, coupled with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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