Invyr Holy Panda vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Invyr Holy Panda and the TKC Tangerine stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Holy Panda offers a unique tactile feel with sharp tactility and a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, resulting in a buttery feel that is a pleasure to type on. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, from pronounced feedback in the Holy Panda to the high-pitched sound in the Tangerine. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the TKC Tangerine, one noticeable difference is in their top housing materials. The Holy Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate of the Holy Panda is more geared towards providing clarity and resonance, whereas the UHWMPE of the Tangerine offers a brighter and more distinct sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Holy Panda employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks akin to its top housing material. Despite the differences in material composition, both bottom housings aim to contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with nylon offering a deeper tone and UHWMPE delivering a bright and vibrant sound experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Holy Panda and the Tangerine play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of these switches. While the Holy Panda utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing to provide a combination of crispness and depth in sound, the Tangerine opts for UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings to offer a consistent bright and resonant sound signature. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by harnessing the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Holy Panda has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Tangerine's 62 grams. However, both switches have a similar unknown actuation force. For some, the heavier bottom out force of the Holy Panda may provide a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter bottom out force of the Tangerine may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of desired typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel them travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent typing experience. Whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, while the TKC Tangerine is described as having a high-pitched sound profile. The Holy Panda offers a unique blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, creating a distinct typing experience, whereas the Tangerine's high-pitched sound may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound with each key press.
When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda is praised for its accentuated tactile feedback, invigorating typing sensation, sharp tactile bump, and snappy responsiveness. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. The Holy Panda's pronounced feedback and sharp tactility are ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, while the Tangerine's smooth and polished feel may suit users who prefer a more fluid and refined keystroke.
In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tangerine impresses with its smooth and polished feel, offering a different typing experience for linear switch enthusiasts. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users who choose either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, sharp tactility, and a satisfying "clack" sound, the Holy Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switch might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound profile that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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