Invyr Holy Panda vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, with the TTC Venus, a linear switch, it is important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a unique internal configuration that offers a nearly frictionless glide and a delightful "Q-texture" reminiscent of springy resistance, ensuring a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Holy Panda is known for its accented and sharp feel, the Venus is recognized for its buttery and gummy sensation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Venus, we see a clear difference in the top housing material used. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This is in contrast to the Venus, which utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Holy Panda leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound profile, the Venus offers a darker and more subdued auditory experience.
As for the bottom housing material, the Holy Panda uses a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that shares similar qualities with its top counterpart in creating a sharper and clearer sound profile. The nylon of the Holy Panda provides a rounder sound, while the polycarbonate of the Venus offers a more resonant tone. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when typing.
While the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TTC Venus have their own distinct characteristics, the impact of these materials varies depending on whether they are used in the top or bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing material, such as the nylon in the Holy Panda or the polycarbonate in the Venus, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, like the polycarbonate of the Holy Panda or the POM of the Venus, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Holy Panda features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams with an unknown actuation force, while the Venus has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Holy Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Venus offers a lighter actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Holy Panda offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Venus provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key may lean towards the Holy Panda with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences, with the Holy Panda being the longer of the two. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 best described as having a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is unmatched in the tactile switch realm. On the other hand, the Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, ensuring a quieter typing experience overall. The differences in sound between the two switches primarily lie in the Holy Panda's distinct clack and resonance compared to the Venus' more subtle and muted tone.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a prominent amount of feedback, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The Venus switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation with every key press. The Holy Panda's emphasis on sharp tactility contrasts with the Venus switch's emphasis on smoothness and fluidity, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Taking all factors into consideration, both the Holy Panda and the Venus switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Holy Panda excels in providing a bright and resonant typing experience with sharp tactility, the Venus switch focuses on delivering a quieter and smoother typing sensation with a balance of frictionless glide and engaging Q-texture. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a crisp tactile feedback or a buttery, smooth typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience.
Conclusion
In concluding, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a pronounced tactile bump, sharp feedback, and a satisfying clack sound with each keystroke, the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a light actuation force, combined with a muted sound signature and a unique "Q-texture" that sets it apart from other switches, the Venus switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force, ensuring that you have the best keyboard switch for your needs.
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