Invyr Holy Panda vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Holy Panda is widely recognized for its sharp tactility, producing a satisfyingly bright clack with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. While the Holy Panda is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy qualities, the Viola Tricolor boasts accented, bashy, invigorating, and low-pitched traits. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor use polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that leads to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are aesthetically pleasing with their translucent top housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. The top housing material plays a major role in the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience of both switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, enhancing the overall tactile feedback of the switches. Despite their differences in top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is sure to satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the Invyr Holy Panda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they still offer similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deep and full sound. The combination of these materials in each switch results in a well-rounded typing experience that caters to those looking for a tactile and resonant feel while typing. Whether you prefer the distinct qualities of the Holy Panda or the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is sure to impress.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both have similar bottom out forces, with the Holy Panda being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's 63.5 grams. However, the actuation force for both switches is not known. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, with slight variations in bottom out force but no information available regarding actuation force. While the results may be slightly different, users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches based on their weights.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Holy Panda offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Viola Tricolor. This may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be favorable for gamers looking for faster inputs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a deeper press or a quicker response time.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switch offers a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, known for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is characterized by a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience with a deeper and richer bass-heavy tone. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can complement different typing styles and preferences.
In terms of feel, both the Holy Panda and Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The Holy Panda is also noted for its sharp and snappy tactile bump, creating an immersive typing sensation without being overwhelming. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance with its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying sensation without being excessively tactile. Users of both switches can expect a tactile typing experience that is responsive and engaging.
In conclusion, the Holy Panda and Viola Tricolor switches each bring their own distinct qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Holy Panda offers a bright "clack" sound with sharp tactility, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced tactility. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you choose the Holy Panda or Viola Tricolor, you can expect a satisfying and engaging typing experience that meets your tactile switch needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile feedback, the Invyr Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. With its renowned clack and pronounced tactility, the Holy Panda provides a unique typing experience that is unmatched by many other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and a balanced tactility that doesn't overwhelm, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would suit your preferences. Its thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a satisfying feedback, offers a distinct typing sensation without being overly tactile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for the level of tactility and sound profile that best fits your typing style.
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