Invyr Holy Panda vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches provide a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. While the Holy Panda is known for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Violet Gold Pro is revered for its Goldilocks-like feel. 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
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches share these characteristics in their top housings, they each offer a unique typing experience based on their bottom housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Holy Panda utilizes nylon which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience due to the properties of their bottom housing materials.
Overall, the qualities of the housing materials in each switch are split between the top and bottom housings, influencing the sound and feel of typing on the switches. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Holy Panda and the Violet Gold Pro offer a tactile and enjoyable typing experience for users looking for switches with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy when pressed all the way down, whereas the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. In terms of weight, the Holy Panda is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. However, the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Invry Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holy Panda being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may find the Holy Panda more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating a unique acoustic resonance that is unmatched. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. The sound produced by both switches will ultimately be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material chosen.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as providing an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a snappy and responsive typing experience. This switch offers a pronounced tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress, striking a balance between tactile feedback and smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch is characterized by a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle feedback with a lighter touch. This makes it a versatile option for those seeking a gentle tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactility with a bright clack sound, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a medium tactility with a neutral sound signature, making it a balanced and versatile option for a wider range of users. Both switches have their own merits and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility for a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Invyr Holy Panda would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter touch and a balanced typing experience, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and overall typing feel. So, consider these factors carefully before making your decision on which switch best fits your typing style and preferences.