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Struggling to choose between two nearly identical switches Glorious Panda vs Holy Panda? We've got you covered! Dive into our informative face-off as we pit these two keyboard titans against each other. Gear up and let's explore a detailed comparison that covers every aspect from build quality to performance, helping you determine which switch will suit your style.
Glorious Panda Switches are an evolution of the original INVYR Panda housing molds, tailored for an enhanced tactile experience. They are notable for being reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. These switches offer a buttery-smooth actuation, a satisfying tactile bump, and a distinctively loud click, which sets them apart from standard mechanical switches.
Holy Panda Switches are renowned for their exceptional smoothness and tactile response, created from a mix of INVYR Panda and Halo switch parts. They’re known for their extended, smooth tactile bump and pleasing sound profile, surpassing many competitors. This combination results in a switch that delivers a top-notch tactile sensation and auditory experience, making them a favorite among gamers.
Glorious Panda is one of the best tactile switches in the mechanical keyboard world, with each component enhanced to elevate the clicking experience. Key features include a premium-grade polycarbonate top shell and a stainless steel spring, paired with an upgraded stem for reduced pretravel before the tactile bump.
Tech Specs:
Holy Panda switches are the result of combining the best of two worlds: the housing and spring of INVYR Panda and the stem and slider of Halo switches. This combination results in a switch that is not only tactile and smooth but also has a sound profile that is highly appreciated by enthusiasts. Their rounded tactile bump and premium build quality set them apart in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Tech Specs:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Glorious Panda switches |
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| Holy Panda switches |
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Here is the detailed features comparison table of Glorious Panda vs Holy Panda Switches:
| Features | Glorious Panda
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Holy Panda
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| Manufacturer | Glorious | Drop |
| Made from |
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| Lubed/ Unlubed Switches | Options for both lubed (with G Lube) and unlubed | Typically unlubed |
| Build Quality |
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Exceptional durability and consistency |
| Price | More affordable, better value | Quite expensive |
| Design | Opaque housing, distinct colorway |
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| Performance | Excellent for both typing and gaming |
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| Smoothness | Smooth operation, especially in the lubed variant | Tactile but slightly less smooth than Glorious Panda |
| Latency | Standard for tactile mechanical switches | Very low latency |
| Sound Profile |
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| Durability | Good and longevity | Reliable durability |
The build quality of a switch significantly influences its performance, durability, and user experience. Both switches exhibit high-quality construction with minor differences. However, when it comes to overall build quality and quality control, the Glorious Panda switches take the lead, despite their slight stem wobble in the East-West direction.
The stem of a mechanical switch is a critical component that directly influences the typing feel and sound, delve into the unique characteristics of the stems in Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches:
Glorious Panda Switches: These switches feature a proprietary stem designed by Glorious, notable for its shorter pre-travel distance. This results in quicker tactile feedback, making the switches responsive and suitable for fast typists and gamers.
Holy Panda Switches: The stem in Holy Panda Switches comes from either Halo Clear or Halo True switches. Known for their high quality, these stems contribute to the distinctive tactile experience the Holy Pandas are famous for. The tactility here is more pronounced, offering deeper and more satisfying feedback during keypresses.
Glorious and Holy Panda switches boast tactile stems defining their unique typing experiences. Glorious Pandas feature a stem that shortens pre-travel for faster response, while Holy Pandas use a Halo-derived stem for a more pronounced tactile bump. Despite their tactile nature, each offers a distinct feel: Glorious is quicker and smoother, Holy is deeper and more pronounced.
The spring inside the switch plays a key role in the switch's actuation force and the overall feel of the keystroke.
Glorious Panda Switches: With a 67g actuation force, the spring in the Glorious Panda switches offers a balance between firmness and comfort. This weight provides a tactile experience that is neither too light nor too heavy, making it versatile for various typing preferences.
Holy Panda Switches: Also use a spring with a 67g actuation force. Despite the same actuation force, users often report a slightly different feel, possibly due to variations in spring construction or length. A keypress that feels robust and satisfying, ideal for those who prefer a more noticeable tactile response.
The bottom shell of a switch affects its stability and sound profile. Both Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches source their bottom shells from Invyr and the use of Nylon in the material construction, resulting in similar specifications and features.
Glorious Panda Switches: The bottom shell of the Glorious Panda switches is designed to complement the overall build of the switch, contributing to its durability and consistent performance. The premium material and design choices made in the bottom shell ensure that the switches can withstand frequent and intense usage.
Holy Panda Switches: Similarly, the Holy Panda switches use a bottom shell that enhances the switch's overall feel and sound. The use of high-quality materials in the construction of the bottom shell adds to the switch's durability and ensures a consistent sound profile that many users find appealing.
When it comes to the financial aspect of building a custom mechanical keyboard, the price of switches is a pivotal consideration. As of the latest update (Feb 2024), Glorious Panda is generally more affordable than Holy Panda switches for those on a budget.
Glorious Panda Switches: A budget-friendly option, disrupting the market with affordability. For those who are cost-conscious or perhaps new to mechanical keyboards, Glorious Pandas offers a balance between quality and expense. With a price point of about $0.69 per switch in a pack of 36, they represent a solid entry point for enthusiasts looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Holy Panda Switches: On the premium end, Holy Panda switches are a symbol of quality in the tactile switch community. They come with a higher price tag, reflecting their esteemed status among keyboard aficionados. Ranging from $1.14 to $1.21 per switch, depending on the pack size, they are an investment in your typing experience. For those who prioritize the nuanced tactile feedback and the legacy of the switch, the extra cost may well be justified.
Please note that prices can vary based on factors such as location, shipping costs, and availability. For the most accurate and up-to-date prices, please visit the official product pages of Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches.
At first glance, Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches might appear nearly identical, with both showcasing a design that prioritizes a robust tactile experience. However, upon closer examination, subtle yet significant differences will be detailed below:
Compatibility is a key factor when choosing mechanical switches, as it determines the range of keyboards and keycap sets you can use with them:
Glorious Panda Switches: The design of Glorious Panda Switches emphasizes broad compatibility. They are engineered to fit seamlessly into a wide range of mechanical keyboard models, particularly the GMMK (Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard) lineup. Their versatile design ensures that customizing your keyboard setup is as effortless as it is satisfying.
Holy Panda Switches: Similarly, Holy Panda switches are designed for easy integration with many mechanical keyboards. Their popularity has made them a common choice for custom builds, ensuring that they are compatible with a variety of PCBs and keycap sets, though they are particularly associated with the Drop brand keyboards.
The Cherry MX PCB Pinout is a crucial component that ensures switch compatibility across different keyboard models. This standardization allows for seamless integration of switches like the Glorious Panda and Holy Panda into a myriad of keyboard layouts.
Glorious Panda Switches: Adhering to the standard Cherry MX PCB pinout, Glorious Panda switches offer the advantage of being drop-in replacements for any keyboard that uses Cherry MX or compatible switches. This universal design feature makes them highly adaptable and user-friendly.
Holy Panda Switches: They also conform to the Cherry MX pinout standard, which is part of what has made them such a mainstay in the custom keyboard community. They can be used in a multitude of keyboard designs without the need for modifications, making them a go-to for builders and modifiers alike.
Both Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches are typically available in a 3-pin design. This 3-pin design is compatible with most mechanical keyboards that use through-hole PCBs or plate-mounted switches. It's a standard configuration for many mechanical switches and provides compatibility with a wide range of keyboards.
Keycap Mount dictates the range of keycap styles and materials that can be fitted onto the switches. Both Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches embrace this customization spirit, featuring designs that support a wide variety of keycap options:
Glorious Panda Switches: Featuring the standard cross-shaped stem, Glorious Panda switches are designed to accommodate a vast array of keycap mounts, particularly those that are Cherry MX compatible. This ensures that users have access to a wide selection of keycap options to personalize their typing experience.
Holy Panda Switches: The keycap mount on Holy Panda switches is also the ubiquitous cross-shape, compatible with Cherry MX keycaps. This universal design means that users can choose from the abundant market of Cherry MX keycaps for customization.
Illumination plays a key role in not only the aesthetics of a mechanical keyboard but also its functionality in low-light conditions. Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches accommodate lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of your setup.
Glorious Panda Switches: While the opaque housing of Glorious Panda switches slightly diffuses the brightness of RGB lighting, they are still designed to allow for a significant degree of light to pass through, ensuring that users can enjoy illuminated keyboards to their full effect.
Holy Panda Switches: The Holy Panda switches share this characteristic, with an opaque housing that does not fully capture the vibrancy of RGB backlighting compared to transparent switches. However, they still offer a satisfactory backlighting experience, with the light creating a subtle glow around the keycaps.
The performance focuses on the tactile feel and responsiveness of Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches, both are pretty rad in their own ways. It’s all about what vibes with you and your typing or gaming style:
Let's explore the unique tactile journey of pressing the Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches. This comparison aims to uncover the subtle yet impactful differences that define the typing experience for each switch:
Glorious Panda Switches: Smooth tactile feedback, a pleasure to use for extended typing sessions. Their tactile bump is noticeable yet refined, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This makes them particularly appealing to users who spend long hours at their keyboard, whether for work or gaming.
Holy Panda Switches: In contrast, Holy Panda offers a more pronounced tactile bump, delivering a distinct and satisfying feel with each keystroke. This sharper tactile response is preferred by many users who seek a more engaging typing experience. The Holy Pandas are known for their high-quality feel, making each press feel deliberate and rewarding.
Operating Force is the initial resistance encountered when pressing a key, a critical factor that can greatly impact user experience, dictating the effort required for each keystroke:
Glorious Panda Switches: The operating force of Glorious Panda switches is well-calibrated at 56gf, requiring enough pressure to prevent accidental keystrokes while still being light enough for quick and effortless typing. This balance in operating force makes them versatile for various typing speeds and styles, catering to a broad range of users.
Holy Panda: Holy Panda switches require a similar operating force, 57gf which contributes to their distinct tactile feedback. The force needed to actuate these switches is perfectly tuned to provide a responsive feel without causing fatigue, making them suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios.
Actuation Force examines the pressure needed to register a keystroke, highlighting the balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback that Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches offer:
Glorious Panda: The actuation force of Glorious Panda switches, set at 67g, is designed to enhance the tactile experience without being overly strenuous on the fingers. This level of actuation force ensures that each keystroke is intentional, reducing the likelihood of typing errors while maintaining a fluid typing rhythm.
Holy Panda: Holy Panda switches also boast a 67g actuation force, providing a satisfying level of resistance that enhances the tactile sensation. This actuation force is ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes, offering a sense of precision and control.
Pre-travel distance determines how far a key must be pressed before actuating, playing a crucial role in the perception of responsiveness and speed:
Glorious Panda: They have a slightly longer pre-travel distance, about 2.7mm, providing a more pronounced tactile bump. This characteristic is appreciated by users who enjoy a more distinct tactile sensation, as it offers a clear indication of key actuation, enhancing the typing experience.
Holy Panda: The pre-travel distance in Holy Panda switches is 2.1mm, slightly shorter, which translates to a quicker response time. This feature is particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers who require rapid key actuation, as it allows for quicker keystrokes without sacrificing the overall tactile feel.
While Holy Panda switches are ideal for those who prefer a quicker response, Glorious Panda switches cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. The difference in pre-travel distance tailors each switch to specific user preferences.
Total travel distance is the measure from the initial touch to the bottom out of a keypress, affecting both the typing rhythm and the potential for speed typing.
Glorious Panda: 3.4mm, the total travel distance of Glorious Panda switches is optimized for comfort and efficiency. It strikes a balance between providing enough travel to enjoy the tactile feedback and being short enough to ensure speedy typing. This makes them suitable for both prolonged typing sessions and fast-paced gaming.
Holy Panda: The same, Holy Panda switches have a total travel distance of 3.4mm which complements their tactile nature. This travel distance is ideal for those who appreciate a full tactile journey with each keystroke, offering a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
According to smoothness, a key factor in the typing experience, the Holy Panda switches take the crown. Despite both switches featuring a 67-gram spring and a medium-heavy tactile feel, the Holy Panda provides a more distinct and smooth bump, especially when dry.
Glorious Panda Switches: With every keystroke, they provide a remarkably fluid and consistent actuation. This quality is especially prized by gamers and typists alike, as it contributes to an uninterrupted and seamless experience. Glorious Panda's smoothness ensures a pleasant and continuous flow, making it a preferred choice for those seeking precision without sacrificing comfort.
Holy Panda Switches: Also excels in terms of smooth actuation. They offer a refined and seamless feel, which is highly appreciated by users who value both tactile feedback and smoothness in their typing experience. The Holy Panda's combination of a tactile bump and smooth keystrokes creates a satisfying and enjoyable sensation while typing.
In practical use, the difference in response time between the two is negligible. Both Glorious Panda vs Holy Panda switches perform exceptionally well, with a latency of about 7.2 and 7.8ms, capable of meeting the demands of high-speed typing and gaming.
Glorious Panda Switches: Latency is rarely a concern with mechanical switches like the Glorious Panda, as they are designed for quick response times including a press average of 2.2ms and release average of 4.2ms. The tactile nature of the switch ensures that the actuation is both responsive and accurate. For most typing and gaming scenarios, it provides reliable and swift performance, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize responsiveness.
Holy Panda Switches: Excellent response times. The unique combination of components from different switches does not hinder their ability to actuate rapidly with an average of 1.9ms when pressed and 5.3ms released. This makes them well-suited for high-paced gaming and typing tasks where every millisecond counts. Their construction ensures that the user experiences minimal delay from press to actuation.
Although the Glorious Panda switches have a similar sound profile, the Holy Panda stands out with their distinct higher-pitch clack and a sound described as “Mr. Krabs Walking”. So, if you’re all about that acoustic experience, the Holy Panda might be your jam.
Glorious Panda switches: crisp sound profile which is a significant aspect of their appeal. Each keystroke results in a distinct tactile 'thock' upon actuation, a sound that is both clear and satisfying. This auditory feedback enhances the overall typing experience, making it particularly pleasing for those who enjoy a sharp and tactile sound with their keystrokes.
Holy Panda switches: unique and deep sound profile. The sound emanating from these switches during actuation is deeper and fuller, contributing to an exceptionally satisfying key response. The deep, resonant tone provides a luxurious and refined auditory experience, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to every keystroke. This distinctive sound signature is one of the reasons Holy Panda switches have garnered a dedicated following.
In terms of durability and overall build quality, Holy Panda slightly outperforms Glorious Panda. While both are durable, the Holy Panda's premium construction offers a bit more in terms of long-term reliability and stability.
Glorious Panda switches: Despite being more affordable, do not compromise on quality. The top shell is made of premium-grade polycarbonate and a robust stainless steel spring indicates a focus on durability. However, there are some concerns about horizontal wobble and the need for additional lubrication for optimal performance.
Holy Panda Switches: The build quality of Holy Panda is premium, with no single switch coming close in terms of elegance and perfect construction. The combination of components from INVYR Panda and Halo switches results in a switch that not only performs well but also lasts long.
For typists, the choice between Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches boils down to personal preference. The Glorious Panda offers a satisfying tactile bump and is well-suited for those who type a lot. The Holy Panda, with its unique tactile feel and sound as the best switches for office use, might appeal more to those who seek a distinctive typing experience.
For gaming, the decision between Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches can be influenced by the type of games you play. The Holy Panda switches, with their tactile feedback, can provide a more responsive gaming experience, particularly in fast-paced games where quick key presses are crucial. Conversely, the smooth keystrokes of the Glorious Panda switches may be more suitable for games that require prolonged key presses.
Related article:
In the comparison of Glorious Panda vs Holy Panda, it's clear that both switches have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences. Glorious Panda is a versatile choice while Holy Panda is famed for its unique tactile feedback and sound. The choice depends on personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical switch - be it typing comfort, gaming performance, sound profile, or durability.
Since it primarily relies on individual tastes, there is no conclusive solution to this matter. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits. Glorious Panda switches are excellent all-rounders, while Holy Pandas are preferred for their unique tactile feel and sound.
This is subjective. If you prefer a smoother keystroke, you might find Glorious Panda switches better for typing. However, if you enjoy tactile feedback when you type, you might prefer Holy Panda switches.
For gaming, Holy Pandas might have a slight edge due to their quicker actuation, but Glorious Pandas are also a strong contender, especially for those who value a balance between typing and gaming.
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