Invyr Holy Panda vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor Orange mechanical keyboard switches, one can quickly see distinct differences in their tactile characteristics. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle and soft tactility, coupled with a neutral sound profile that appeals to those looking for a more subdued typing experience. While the Holy Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Meteor Orange is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique qualities that may cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Invyr Holy Panda and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Holy Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Meteor Orange uses a nylon material for both the top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Holy Panda's top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a similar typing experience, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the Holy Panda and Meteor Orange differ in their top housing materials, their bottom housings offer a consistent sound profile that emphasizes a comfortable and immersive typing sensation. This shared feature highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, demonstrating how the choice of material can impact the overall user experience.
Overall, the contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon materials used in the top housings of the Holy Panda and Meteor Orange switches showcases the diverse sound profiles that can be achieved by varying housing materials. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Holy Panda results in a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the softer nylon in the Meteor Orange offers a deeper and fuller sound preferred by users seeking a more muted typing experience. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing of both switches underscores the importance of material choice in creating a comfortable and immersive typing sensation that caters to individual preferences. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, we can see that the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light. While both switches have an unknown actuation force, it is clear that the Holy Panda requires a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Meteor Orange. This means that the Holy Panda may provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Meteor Orange may offer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is the same, meaning that users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Despite any other differences between the switches, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm. This allows for a uniform feel when typing on either switch, regardless of which one is chosen.
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 Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 Holy Panda switch is known for its bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a satisfyingly sharp tactility and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. The Holy Panda may provide a more pronounced and distinctive sound, while the Meteor Orange offers a softer and more gentle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda switch is characterized by its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is not overwhelming but still prominent. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a more gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. The Holy Panda may offer a more intense and pronounced tactile bump, while the Meteor Orange delivers a smoother and refined key travel experience.
Overall, the Holy Panda and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp and distinct tactile feedback with a bright sound profile, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch offers a softer and more neutral typing experience with a polished finish, appealing to those who prefer a gentler tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the pronounced feedback of the Holy Panda or the gentle tactility of the Meteor Orange to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to customize their typing feel to suit their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a more pronounced feedback and sharp tactility for a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler typing experience with soft and seductive tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more accentuated and invigorating feel or a milder and polished typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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