Invyr Holy Panda vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Aflion Windy Shadow are two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Invyr Holy Panda is a tactile switch best known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright clack with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is a linear switch appreciated for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from its extended spring. While the Holy Panda is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, the Windy Shadow is known for its low-pitched, mild, and neutral qualities. If you enjoy pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Holy Panda may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow could be the better choice. Let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Aflion Windy Shadow lies in their top housing material. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which give them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal, both switches offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Holy Panda and the Windy Shadow differ slightly. The Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. So, despite the differences in top housing, both switches share the same qualities in their bottom housing, providing users with a consistent typing feel.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Holy Panda and the Windy Shadow result in a unique sound profile for each switch. The bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. With the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a blend of deeper, fuller sound and a sharper, crisper sound. Similarly, the Windy Shadow's combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing offers a comparable typing experience with its own distinct sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, the key difference lies in their bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Windy Shadow is lighter, which may appeal to those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Conversely, the Holy Panda is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. This makes the Windy Shadow the shorter option by 0.5mm. The traditional travel distance is around 4mm, so the Holy Panda falls within that range, while the Windy Shadow is slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Windy Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Holy Panda. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 best known for its sharp tactility that results in a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating an unmatched blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Holy Panda switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users due to its qualities standing in a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Holy Panda stands out for its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, providing a bright and satisfying typing experience, while the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing feel that is comfortable and approachable. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Holy Panda offering a more tactile and pronounced feel compared to the mild and neutral feel of the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, a moderate actuation force requirement, and a gentle typing experience, then the Windy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
