Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices that stand out are the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. The Holy Panda is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. This switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, making it a preferred choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Oil King is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, creamy sound profile that is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. With characteristics like being bassy, buttery, and polished, the Oil King is a favorite among linear switch users. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Oil King switches both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the keystrokes. The Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Despite their differences, both materials excel in enhancing the overall typing experience by offering unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches share a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both the Holy Panda and the Oil King. The nylon bottom housing's softer plastic composition effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing may not be as visually prominent as the top housing, its impact on the tactile and auditory feedback of each keystroke is significant in delivering a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Despite utilizing different top and bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda and the Oil King switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience by offering unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Holy Panda produces a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the keystrokes. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon and proprietary INK blend bottom housing work together to create a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches prioritize delivering a distinct and enjoyable typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that they both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for key presses. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in this aspect compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda requires 67 grams while the Oil King requires 65 grams, making them quite similar once the key is fully pressed. Users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Holy Panda for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Oil King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of force and key feel.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that whether you use the Holy Panda or the Oil King, you can expect similar results when it comes to the feel of the typing experience. The travel distance of these switches allows for a responsive and tactile feel when typing, making them both popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch is renowned for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, creating an iconic sound profile that tactile switch enthusiasts love. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a smooth and rich auditory experience during typing. Depending on personal preferences and the surrounding factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different tastes.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Holy Panda switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, offering a pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke that is achieved through lubrication and materials used in the switch construction. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Holy Panda focusing on sharp tactility and feedback, while the Oil King prioritizes smoothness and buttery feel during typing.
In conclusion, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing, users can choose between the sharp tactility and bright "clack" of the Holy Panda switch or the smoothness and buttery feel of the Oil King switch. Ultimately, both switches provide unique and satisfying typing experiences that cater to the diverse preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are someone who enjoys a sharp tactility with pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, then the Holy Panda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, then the Oil King might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and feedback or smoothness and sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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