Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Invyr Holy Panda stand out as popular options among enthusiasts. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on fresh ice. Its subdued and creamy typing experience makes it a favorite for those who prefer a polished and silky keystroke. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly loud "clack" with each press. The accented and invigorating feel of the Holy Panda appeals to tactile switch enthusiasts looking for pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Invyr Holy Panda, it is evident that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is popular for switches with clear housings, as it allows for RGB lighting to shine through. The similarity in top housing material between the Aqua King (V3) and the Holy Panda suggests that they would offer a similar sound experience when typing.
However, a notable point of contrast between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Holy Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This key difference in bottom housing materials could result in distinct typing experiences, with the Aqua King (V3) potentially offering a crisper sound while the Holy Panda providing a more muffled tone.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing dynamics, it becomes clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Aqua King (V3) and the Holy Panda featuring different bottom housing materials, users can expect variations in the overall typing experience. While both switches share the advantages of polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda could offer a unique tactile feedback compared to the Aqua King (V3)'s polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both offer a medium actuation force, with the Aqua King requiring 46 grams and the Holy Panda's force being unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King is lighter at 62 grams compared to the Holy Panda's medium-heavy 67 grams. This means that typing on the Aqua King may feel lighter and more effortless compared to the Holy Panda, which might provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the Aqua King is a linear switch while the Holy Panda is a tactile switch. This means that the Aqua King provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Holy Panda offers a tactile bump during keypresses for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, but the typing feel and experience they provide are different due to their respective switch types.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, both switches can produce different sounds based on factors such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. The keys offer a smooth, buttery sensation, akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink with minimal resistance or friction. In contrast, the Holy Panda switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile feedback that is pronounced, moderately firm, and responsive. While the Aqua King (V3) focuses on smoothness, the Holy Panda emphasizes a strong tactile bump for a more interactive typing experience.
Taking all available information into account, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience with minimal friction, while the Holy Panda delivers a satisfyingly tactile feedback with each keystroke. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother or more tactile typing feel, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal friction and a fluid travel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with pronounced feedback, a firm actuation force, and a sharp tactile bump with each keystroke, then the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your preference for typing feel and sound signature when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, choosing between the Aqua King and Holy Panda will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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