Invyr Holy Panda vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Yoel offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Holy Panda is a tactile switch cherished for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottoming out. While the Holy Panda is known for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Yoel offers a creamy and polished feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more accented and snappy typing sensation or a smooth and resonant key press. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Yoel switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant display. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Yoel features a POM bottom housing that delivers a unique sound on the deeper side and more muted.
The use of different bottom housings in the Invyr Holy Panda and the PH Studio Yoel switches demonstrates how varying housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Nylon in the Holy Panda brings a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing in the Yoel contributes to a deeper and relatively more muted sound. These differences in bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience, as they influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
While the two switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housings showcase how the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. As a result, users can expect a distinct typing experience from the Holy Panda with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, compared to the Yoel with its POM bottom housing, which offers a more muted and unique sound.
Weight
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and PH Studio Yoel linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is on the medium-heavy side, while the Yoel has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium. Although the actuation force of the Holy Panda is not specified, it can be assumed to be on the lower end compared to the Yoel's 53-gram actuation force. Therefore, the Holy Panda may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Yoel offers a slightly heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Holy Panda offers a longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch with a shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a shorter and quicker press or a longer and more deliberate one. Ultimately, while the Holy Panda has a longer travel distance compared to the Yoel, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactility that results in a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a resonance that is both satisfying and pronounced when keys reach their bottom-out point. While the Holy Panda offers a unique "clack" sound, the Yoel provides a similar level of satisfaction with its pronounced resonance, making both switches appealing to users who appreciate audible feedback during typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda is described as offering accented feedback with a sharp tactile bump that is prominent and distinct with every keypress. This results in an invigorating typing experience that is snappy and reactive. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is described as delivering a creamy and polished typing experience, with smooth and buttery key travel that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. The silky sensation provided by the Yoel switch enhances the overall smoothness of typing, creating a refined and sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the sound characteristics of the Invyr Holy Panda and PH Studio Yoel switches may differ slightly in terms of tone and resonance, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience during typing. Additionally, the feel of the switches varies in terms of tactility and smoothness, with the Holy Panda providing a sharp tactile feedback and the Yoel delivering a creamy and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp tactility that provides a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, then the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a delectably chewy typing experience characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, then the Yoel linear switch could be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique qualities and it's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
