Invyr Holy Panda vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and HMX Xinhai stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a unique blend of a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Xinhai is labeled 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the HMX Xinhai share many similarities as they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Invyr Holy Panda and the HMX Xinhai differ in their bottom housing material. The Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect but with a slightly different sound quality. This distinction in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable difference in sound and typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Invyr Holy Panda and the HMX Xinhai allows for a balance of sharp, crisp sound profiles and deep, full sound profiles. The impact of each housing material can be felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light. The actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, whereas the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. The lighter weight of the Xinhai switch suggests it may be preferred for those who desire a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda may suit users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Holy Panda offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, which could provide a more pronounced keypress feeling. However, for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer a different experience, so it is essential to consider what is most important to you in a tactile or linear switch for your keyboard.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 Invyr Holy Panda switch is best known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that is highly sought after by tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is described as offering an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. It falls into the category of accented switches, delivering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still prominent. On the contrary, the Xinhai switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys feel lively and offer a silky sensation, making each keystroke effortless.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda switch excels in providing sharp tactility, pronounced feedback, and a bright "clack" sound, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts who value a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a different tactile experience with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a higher-pitched resonance, catering to those who prefer a bouncy and creamy typing feel. Both switches provide their own unique qualities, and selecting between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, by choosing either switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who values a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Invyr Holy Panda switch may be the perfect choice for you. Its sharp tactility and bright "clack" sound will provide a satisfying and immersive typing sensation that tactile switch enthusiasts love. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch with a softer acoustics profile, then the HMX Xinhai switch could be the ideal option. With its blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, the Xinhai offers a different but equally enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Choose the one that best suits your typing style and enjoy a customized and optimized typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
