Invyr Holy Panda vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, to the SP-Star Yanyu, a linear switch, it becomes clear that each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Yanyu is known for providing a more delicate typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions, with a crisp sound profile. While the Holy Panda offers pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Yanyu boasts a more neutral and subtle typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda switch allows for the use of RGB lighting, while the Yanyu's blend provides a more unique and pleasant sound experience.
On the bottom housing side, the Holy Panda's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend which offers a distinct and brighter sound. These differences in housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of each switch, creating a customized typing experience for users. The softer nylon in the Holy Panda absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the Yanyu's blend offers a more pleasant and bright sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Yanyu are different, each housing material brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether using polycarbonate in the Holy Panda for a sharp sound or the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Yanyu for a brighter sound, both switches offer a customized typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. The Holy Panda provides a medium-heavy typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a substantial push feel. In contrast, the Yanyu offers a lighter typing experience, which may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key travel and tactile feedback when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, making them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a standard travel distance for their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 and satisfying "clack" with each keystroke, providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Yanyu is known for a crisp sound profile that is described as either neutral or thocky, depending on the type of typing experience you prefer. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps, the Holy Panda offers a unique and distinctive sound that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is recognized for its sharp tactile bump and pronounced feedback, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. This switch is described as accented, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is known for its mild and feathery feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended periods of use. The Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda provides a sharp and bright "clack" with pronounced feedback, while the Yanyu offers a more delicate and gentle typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the unique tactility of the Holy Panda or the smoothness of the Yanyu switch. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options depending on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility that provides a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, then the Invyr Holy Panda switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force and sound profile, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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