When you’re in search of a more refined and personalized user experience, adding dampening foam to your mechanical keyboards is your ticket to achieving this. It is a craft that requires careful attention, a good understanding of the mechanics, and finesse. The intention is to improve your typing or gaming experience, reduce noise, and generally contribute to a more streamlined use of your technology.
The practice, primarily guided by the individuals’ personal preference, gives room for unique customizations, uniquely varying from one keyboard to another.
## Practical Considerations with Dampening Foam
When selecting the appropriate dampening foam for a keyboard, it’s worth considering the material, thickness, and density of the foam. Soft and dense foams such as EVA foam, neoprene, or Sorbothane are recommended.
The thickness must also be considered because it should fit comfortably within the case without forcing components together or exerting pressure on the PCB. The density of the foam contributes to sound and vibration absorption levels. The denser the foam, the higher the level of damping.
## Cutting the Foam
Cutting the foam to fit a keyboard case is a precision task. It encompasses the delicate step of drawing out the keyboard’s underlay on the foam and cutting it out carefully. For an accurate fit, include marking points for the standoffs or screws that connect the PCB to the case.
An overlooked but important aspect is padding the space-bar area. This part of the keyboard often resonates more, significantly contributing to the overall sound. Therefore, extra attention should be given here.
## Installing the Foam
Place the foam inside the case before placing the PCB. Ensure all screw holes align correctly, and the foam is not forced or compressed unevenly, which may eventually impact the keyboard functionality negatively.
Some users prefer to lay a second thin layer of foam between the PCB and the plate, reducing the ‘ping’ and sound reflection between these metal components. This second dampening layer should be cut out more carefully, providing cutouts for stabilizers and switch sockets.
## Impact on Keyboard Sound
The use of dampening foam significantly alters the keyboard’s sound profile. The noise-reducing capabilities of foam can deaden the sporadic ping sounds that can sometimes be heard during typing. This sound is due to the natural resonance created inside the keyboard shell during hard keystrokes.
Notably, the pressure caused by the foam on the PCB (and on the plate, if you apply a layer there too), changes the way switches are bottoming out, leading to a deeper, thumpier bottom-out sound.
## Impact on Keyboard Feel
The effect of dampening foam on typing feel is a more in-depth, thumpier, and less metal-cold bottoming-out experience. Moreover, it reduces the audible metallic reflections between the PCB and plate.
The foam increases the weight of the keyboard, adding a more solid feel and additional grip, reducing potential movement during intense typing or gaming sessions.
## Considerations of Switch Types
Different switches interact differently with dampening foam. Clicky switches, where sound is a fundamental feature, might not benefit as much from the foam, as the dampening might reduce the click’s perceived sharpness. The hollowness of some keyboards could amplify the click, but damping that hollowness could potentially reduce clicky switches’ enjoyment.
Tactile and linear switches could receive the most significant gains, reducing the ‘ping’ and metallic reverberation from the keyboard, producing a much smoother typing or gaming experience.
## Aesthetical Implication
While the aesthetic impact of foam is zero in closed-case keyboards, it might be significantly detrimental in skeletal or open-aired keyboard designs. This factor must be taken into account, especially when dealing with high-end, aesthetically pleasing custom keyboards.
## Conclusion
Dampening foam can revolutionize the way you interact with your mechanical keyboard, leading to a smoother, deeper typing experience and significantly reducing potential distracting sounds. Sourcing quality dampening materials and carefully tailoring it to your keyboard case and plate can offer a drastic, personalized improvement in keyboard’s use while gaming or typing.
While the installation process requires some effort and precision in cutting and assembly, the end rewards for a more immersive and comfortable keyboard use can outweigh the investment. Suitable for almost all keyboard types, the addition of dampening foam is a refined adjustment for every keyboard enthusiast looking to improve their typing experience.
