| Switch Type: | Tactile |
| Mount Type: | PCB Mount – 5 pin (also available as a PC mount – 3 pin) |
| Force: | 60g Bottom-out |
| Stem Length (mm): | 12.77 |
| Price: | $35 (35 pieces) on Drop |
The Drop Holy Panda X is a tactile switch available as a PCB Mount (5 pin) or a PC Mount (3 pin). It is manufactured by Gateron and it supposedly improves upon the original Holy Panda in stem stability, lubrication reliability, and overall consistency.
TL;DR
Note: My batch did not arrive pre-lubricated even though DROP stated they would be.
The Drop Holy Panda X is quite different compared to the Drop Invyr Panda with the Panda X having a more rounded tactile bump and being a more consistent performer across the board. The Panda X is also cheaper at $1 per switch as opposed to the ~$1.20 per switch for the Invry Panda.
For those who already own Invyr Pandas, this is a pretty worthwhile upgrade. Although, I think this is really for those upgrading from a Cherry MX Brown or similar.
Smoothness: 8/10
On-centre keypresses are ultra smooth with zero scratchiness even at very slow keypresses. It’s mighty impressive!
Off-centre keypresses are very smooth with only minor scratchiness and binding at very slow keypresses. Although, this practically disappears at normal typing speeds.
Overall, if you’re looking for a very smooth switch. I’d highly recommend this one.
Drop Holy Panda X switch disassembled.
Weighting: 9/10
According to DROP, these switches bottom-out at 60g with a total travel of 3.5mm.
Just comparing specs alone, the Panda X bottoms-out at 60g which is 7g lighter than the Invyr Panda. Although, in terms of real-world key feel I couldn’t feel a difference.
However, with that said, it has very little similarities with the Invyr Holy Panda. Firstly, the Panda X has a significantly heavier and a more rounded tactile bump making it feel like a less harsh Durock T1.
It’s also very consistent with only minor inconsistencies during the beginning of my test period. These inconsistencies have more or less disappeared now. So yes, there’s a slight 1–2-day break-in period – nothing out of the ordinary here.
Overall, I love the tactility, the weighting and the consistency. These are more than just “nice” switches, they’re almost perfect in my book.
Sound: 7/10
This is probably the most lacking aspect about these switches – just like with the Invyr Holy Panda.
They’re clacky sure, but there are hints of subtle spring ping when typing at speed (a small nit-pick). Plus, they also sound a bit hollow to my ears.
Overall, even with that said, they’re still good sounding switches. I just wish they were slightly better given these were meant to be an upgrade over the original.
The Drop Holy Panda X stem length is 12.77 mm.
The Drop Invyr Holy Panda stem length is 13.61 mm.
Typing Performance: 8/10
Firstly, during the start of my testing period, the switches were slightly scratchy and felt unrefined at normal typing speeds. Although, this has now disappeared. So, there was a break-in period of 1-2 days in my batch.
Secondly, there is a faint second tactile bump at very slow, off-centre keypresses. This isn’t an issue when normally typing though. Plus, I only discovered it when intentionally pressing the switches very slow, off-centre keypresses.
Thirdly, there are overall very smooth and consistent switches. Although, its slightly heavy and round tactility wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed. My preferences tend to lean towards shaper tactile switches like the Durock T1, but these were far from the worst. Some may even say that’s a more refined T1 – and I wouldn’t blame them!
Finally, and this one may be quite controversial, but if Topre switches were made to fit in an MX platform, this is what I would imagine they would feel like. It’s smooth and consistent just like Topre switches, but without the mushy rubber dome.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with these switches even though I don’t think they quite deserve the “Holy Panda” name (seriously, they don’t feel similar).
Gaming Performance: 9/10
Gaming on these was quite pleasant. They essentially just disappeared into the background given how smooth and consistent they were throughout. These gave me no issues whether I was playing slow or fast-paced games. The Holy Panda X handled them all very well.
A small nit-pick worth mentioning were in faster-paced games where the tactility would sometimes “disappear” which was a bummer – and given the tactility on these switches are rounder, they tend to do that more often compared to switches which offer sharper tactility.
Overall, these are excellent switches for gaming that I wouldn’t hesitate to use.
Final Score = 41/50 (82%)