Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Smoothie stand out as top choices in their respective categories. The Holy Panda is praised for its sharp tactility, providing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. Tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate the blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that sets the Holy Panda apart. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a unique experience with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Holy Panda is categorized as ['Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy'], the Smoothie is described as ['Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky']. When choosing between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and Gateron Smoothie both contribute significantly to the sound profile of the switches. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the Holy Panda offering a crisper sound compared to the Smoothie's more subdued tones.
In terms of material composition, the Holy Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile of the switch. While both switches deliver a pleasing sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM may come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, it is essential to acknowledge how the top and bottom housing materials work together to create a cohesive typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences in material composition, both the Holy Panda and Smoothie offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them both attractive options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customizable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light touch is needed to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force of 67 grams provides a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie requires 40 grams of force to actuate a key, offering a slightly heavier push feel compared to the Holy Panda. However, the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown, making it difficult to determine its overall typing experience. Ultimately, individuals who prefer lighter switches may be drawn to the Gateron Smoothie for its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Invyr Holy Panda for its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Holy Panda tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. It is evident that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. The Holy Panda's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of deeper keypress, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for a quicker response time and a more lightweight typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is best known for its bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a low-pitched and subdued sound profile. While the Holy Panda delivers a sharp and distinctive sound, the Smoothie offers a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. The specific sound produced by each switch will be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Holy Panda switch is renowned for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a blend of moderate to firm actuation force and snappy responsiveness for an immersive typing sensation. With an accented tactile profile, the Holy Panda provides a pronounced tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. The Smoothie switch aims to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys.
Taking all the available information into account, the Invyr Holy Panda switch stands out for its sharp tactility, bright clacking sound, and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a unique thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch at an affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between the Holy Panda and Smoothie switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, with both switches offering distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Invyr Holy Panda or the Gateron Smoothie switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize tactile feedback, a bright "clack" sound, and a sharp, invigorating typing experience, then the Holy Panda may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched, and silky smooth typing sensation without the tactile bump, the Gateron Smoothie could be more up your alley. Ultimately, it's important to test out both switches and see which one resonates with you the most. Happy typing!
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