In the world of mechanical keyboards, just like in any other passionate hobby, people develop a keen eye for what they love. And when it comes to tactile switches, two names often rise above the rest: Glorious Panda and Holy Panda. But which one is the best? Let’s deep dive into their similarities, differences and unique features.
Glorious Panda: The New Kid on the Block
Glorious Panda switches are a relative newcomer to the scene, yet they have made quite an impression. These switches combine INVYR Panda housing molds with an upgraded stem, producing a tactile keyboarding experience that’s hard to beat.
The Glorious Pandas sport a premium grade polycarbonate top shell with a stainless steel spring. They require 67 grams of weight to actuate the switch, providing a satisfyingly hefty feel under your fingertips. Plus, they’re 100% compatible with all GMMK models.
But they’re not perfect. They need to be lubricated to reduce scratchiness and pinging sound. There’s also the matter of horizontal wobble issue that some users have reported. However, considering their reasonable price tag and features, these hiccups can be overlooked by many enthusiasts.
Holy Panda: The Holy Grail of Tactility
Holy Panda switches have been around for a while and have garnered quite a following among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. These switches are essentially INVYR Panda housings and springs combined with Halo stems – this combination creates an astonishingly tactile switch that many swear by.
The Holy Pandas offer smooth bumping, excellent tactile profile, and serene sounds when pressed – all hallmarks of an exceptional typing experience. They’re considered smoother, stiffer and more premium than Cherry MX browns.
With better tactile feedback than Glorious Pandas and sound that has been described as “heavenly” by some users, it’s no wonder why these switches have gained such popularity among keyboard enthusiasts.
Getting to Know the Creators: Glorious PC Gaming Race and Drop
Both Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches wouldn’t exist without their trailblazing creators. Glorious Panda switches are brought to us by Glorious PC Gaming Race, a company that’s built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality and affordable PC gaming hardware. Their focus on extensive R&D and community feedback has resulted in products like the Glorious Panda that challenge established market norms.
On the other hand, the Holy Panda switches come from Drop (formerly Massdrop), a community-driven platform that collaborates with users and manufacturers to create products optimized for enthusiasts. Known for their unique and quality offerings, it’s no surprise that they’re behind this beloved switch.
The Importance of Lubrication
As mentioned earlier, lubrication is key when it comes to maximizing the potential of both these switches. A well-lubed switch can significantly reduce scratchiness, pinging sounds, and increase overall smoothness during actuation. Whether you’re using Holy Pandas or Glorious Pandas, remember that taking the time to properly lube your switches can greatly enhance your typing experience.
Sound Profiles: A Closer Look
For many tactile switch lovers, sound plays a huge role in their preference. The Holy Pandas are known for their deep, thocky sound which many find immensely satisfying. On the other hand, Glorious Pandas have a slightly higher pitched sound profile – some describe it as ‘crisp’ compared to the ‘thock’ of Holy Pandas.
Remember that sound profiles can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard case material, keycap material, and whether or not you’ve chosen to lube your switches.
Switch Lifespan: Durability Matters
Let’s talk about durability. Both Glorious Panda and Holy Panda switches are built to last, thanks mainly to their robust construction materials—polycarbonate housing and stainless steel springs. However, how long they truly last will depend on how much you use your keyboard and how well you maintain your switches (lubrication plays a role here too!).
While both switches boast impressive longevity (upwards of 50 million keystrokes), remember that over time all mechanical switches will eventually show signs of wear—that’s just part of the game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Holy Pandas worth the extra money?
This largely depends on personal preference. If you value stronger tactile feedback and don’t mind paying more for it, then yes! If not, then Glorious Pandas offer great value for money.
Can I use these switches for gaming?
Absolutely! While some gamers prefer linear switches due to their faster actuation time, many enjoy using tactile switches like Holy Pandas or Glorious Pandas because they offer clear feedback when a keypress is registered.
I’m new to mechanical keyboards; should I go with pre-lubed or unlubed?
If you’re just starting out or don’t want to spend time lubing your own switches—go with pre-lubed ones! They offer an excellent balance between performance and convenience.
Are there other similar options available if I can’t decide between these two?
Indeed there are! There’s an entire world of “Frankenstein” style hybrid tactile switches out there ready for exploration.
Comparing Apples to…Pandas?
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty details by comparing these two tactile titans side-by-side.
Both Holy Pandas and Glorious Pandas sport an actuation force of 67g—higher than most Cherry MX or Kailh switches—providing a solid typing experience for those who enjoy more resistance under their fingers.
While both switches offer exceptional performance in terms of tactility and sound quality (especially when properly lubed), there are notable differences in their stems. Glorious has used its own branded stem in Glorious Pandas which has a lesser pre-travel distance than Holy Pandas do whose stem originates from Halo Clear or Halo True—a renowned name in mechanical keyboards universe.(Find more about best keyboard switches here)
Glorious Pandas come in two variants: pre-lubed and unlubed(Learn More), giving you options based on your noise preference—the unlubed one tends to be louder but feels more tactile.
In terms of aesthetics, both feature opaque housings which might result in less RGB lighting compared to transparent housing switches but still manage to look pretty cool when backlit.(Explore other creamy switch options here)
So who wins? Well, it depends. If you enjoy smoother switches go for Glorious Pandas; if you prefer stronger tactility—Holy pandas would be your choice.(Or consider creating your own Frankenstein switch!).
Whichever way you lean towards—these are both top-tier choices directly influenced by community feedback over the years. So if you’re looking for that perfect typing or gaming experience—either of them could just hit the spot!