Everyone's expectation is different. Although I have high hope for Holy Panda, I tried to keep my expectation in check. I have not tried all the switches under the sun nor do I have all type of key caps at my arsenal; but I do have quite a few to compare. I used to like clicky heavy switches and Cherry MX Blue were my go to switch. Four out of eight keyboards I currently own came with Cherry MX Blue out of the box. Two are Gateron Blue and one was Cherry MX Brown. I don't like liner type switches, but I like tactile switches.
I grew tired of Cherry MX Blue after I started comparing tactile feedback and sound signature against different type of keycaps, and numerous other switches. In my option, Cherry MX Blue performs better than all three Gateron switches (Blue, Brown, Green) I tired. There is one thing that Cherry MX Blue really irritates me. That is the ringing sound I heard across all keycaps on Cherry MX Blue when I bottom out. Every time after I press down a key and release it, it gives me this subtle ring that keeps getting louder the faster I type. But none of the switches I tried came close to overall feel and sound of Cherry MX Blue until I tried Hako switches. Only Hako Royal True sounds better than Cherry MX Blue, but it was too heavy compared to Cherry MX Blue.
When I compare Cherry MX Blue to Hako Royal True, it gave me the tactile feedback and sound signature I was looking for. I want something that sound like Hako Royal True but with lighter tactile that is closer to Cherry MX blue. I knew if I can get a switch lighter tactile than Hako Royal True, but a similar but more subtle feel than Cherry MX Blue, I can retire from this hobby. At least from the key switches and PCB layouts. Then, I read about Holy Panda switch that combined two switches into one to give unique sound signature. I listened to typing tests around the Internet and checked their tactile signature against all switches. I blindly pull a trigger on 110 switches twice on Drop. One set for Kira keyboard at work and another for my GK 84 at home with some switches to spare.
I have never been happier to type and hear the Holy Pandas with either SA or DSA profiles. My search for perfect switch has ended. I found my holy grail. I am more than happy with my purchase. Holy Panda has stretch the itch I was having for 5 years.
I'd like to preface this with I did not open these switches up and lube them. These are stock. Everything feels fine to me, not sure why people are so upset.
While I was waiting for these I ordered some yok housings with some halo trues and 68g sprit springs + 3203 lube and figured it would be the same. These were totally different and more tactile. Maybe it's the 68g sprit that made them not the same I'm not sure.
I also bought some 67g zealios v2 and I don't understand how people say these are more tactile than holy pandas. Holy pandas were much better than zealios v2 for sure.
I have shared my these 3 different switches with my coworkers and we are in agreement that the holy pandas were the best out of the 3. They are endgame switches for sure and I'll probably have to buy more than the 180 I bought on the first drop
While I enjoy the feel of these switches, I've noticed a problem developing as I've used them.
So far, I've had 10 different switches which all suffer from the same poblem: eithe they refuse to type the key, or type out multiple times, acting inconsistent. The worst part is that this problem seems to come up over time in previously functional switches. My prior switches on the same keyboard worked just fine. A few 'r's have failed to type in this review alone, and I've decided to keep that for emphasis. The R key is a newly faulty switch, and I've replaced the others as they've gone. I've only been using them for a month or two, and a 15% failure rate already isn't too promising. Again, wonderful sound and feel, but I'm going to have to get different, more reliable switches.
If you're buying holy pandas, you're likely either an enthusiast or aspiring to be one. Just know that the early, valid complaints about the drop's messy pre-lubing are no longer valid. My switches came unlubed. Thank you drop for listening to complaints. The packaging was super solid for these switches, which was super appreciated. I have received switches in a plastic baggie before from very large retailers. I want to acknowledge work that's done well.
My biggest complaint was that not all of the switches functioned upon delivery. The housing and pins were good on all of the switches, but about 6 of my 105 switches were completely broken during testing. I confirmed that the issue was not with a cable or my PCB. A little over 5% of the switches I bought were non-functioning. I luckily did not need all 105 switches, but it was still a huge bummer. This is reflected in my 4 star rating.
The switches are insanely smooth after light lubing, the spring strength is tasteful, the housing is tight, and the tactile bump is my favorite on any switch I've used. A worthwhile product, but broken pieces left a slight bad taste in my mouth
I am a massive fan of tactile switches, and I've always seen how hyped the holy pandas are. I didn't believe in the hype until I got some and put them in my Alt keyboard. These switches are amazing. The tactile bump you get from them is unlike any other tactile switch I've tried. The closest switch would be the glorious pandas, but something about the holy pandas just feels more premium and pleasant to type on. However, I do think that lubing them is a must to get the most out of them. Overall, these are my new favorite switch.
I guess in a word: Overhyped
The wait was endless, the price is high, the feeling ain´t that premium either.
The typing feel was nice actually, but in my opinion not equivalent to the premium price tag, the bump is sharp and small when all I ever heard about it was the opposite, and some lubing is for sure necessary as it gives a rough feedback going up and down, plus the twang of the spring is really noticeable.
When it got worse for me was when comparing it. Since getting into keyboards I've always heard about the legendary HolyPandas, but because it always seemed like a hard to reach fever dream desire, I went to get the Glorious Pandas whilst waiting for the Holys to arrive.
Some might say they are cheap copies but at least to my impression is that at half the price Glorious are the premium option. Feeling was much more even throgh the board, the bump was bigger, rounder, nicer, the noise is superb (tested on the same board with the same keycaps, both unlubed), AND getting extras is cheaper and faster.
Hate to say it as i'm a big fan of Drop and their products, but I almost regret spending my money on this particular item. I say ALMOST because I find it's value on it being a collectible BUT for people starting into switch testing and collecting I would reccomend against investing so much on a first set like this, rather go get two or three different sets to try and start finding whats best for you!
perfect amount of click, perfect amount of distance. I used them stock, even though when i bought them i intended to lube them like a lot of others here have, but once i got them i figured it would take too long/too much effort so instead i've used them as they came. They're great. not too scratchy and feel a lot better then cherry mx linear switches, much more dynamic without being taxing to use like other tactile switches
I got them 4 years ago, and I used them for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I usually prefer linear switches, but this ones really surprised me with their tactile feedback. Very different from cherry brown, which I think are the worst switches ever made.