The world of keyboard enthusiasts has continuously prided in customizing their boards not just for functionality but also the sensory satisfaction. One such aspect is the audial delight of hearing the keypresses, which contributes to the typing experience. It is in capturing this thrilling art that sound mods come into play. Focusing on mechanical keyboards, this article sheds light on the techniques, materials, and equipment you’d need to enrich your typing experience through sound modding.
Popularly known as ‘thocky’ or ‘clack’ sounds, the unique audios produced by keypresses depend on various elements, such as the keyboard’s casing, switches used, keycap materials, and others. However, while these are significant, keyboard enthusiasts go an extra mile to tinker with the sounds using various sound mods methods.
Lubes and Greases
Lubing is a popular sound mod technique that involves applying specific lubes or greases on the keyboard parts. The main goal is to reduce friction between moving parts, thus eliminating any grating or rubbing sounds. Lubing also helps in producing a smooth, consistent, and pleasing ‘thock’ sound during typing.
Different lube types exist, each with its unique effects. For instance, the Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 grease is renowned for its thick consistency, which makes it ideal for stabilizers, switches, and springs to produce a deeper, thocky sound. Its thinner counterpart, Tribosys 3204, is another favorite, especially for switches and springs, due to its ability to reduce spring ping and scratchiness.
Foam and Dampening Additives
Foam modding involves the use of foam or similar material to fill up the empty space in the keyboard case. This technique works due to the principles of sound resonance whereby such space tends to amplify the unpleasant ‘hollow’ sound. Filling this space with materials such as sheets of neoprene, Sorbothane, or EVA foam, the resonance is decreased significantly, creating a more solid and deeper sound profile.
Some enthusiasts extend the foam modding methodology to their keycaps using a method known as ‘band-aid’ modding. Here, a small layer of soft material (like bandaids or foam tape) is placed under the PCB where the stabilizers hit when keys are pressed. This method is an effective way of reducing the ‘clack’ sound produced by stabilizers.
Switch and Spring Swapping
Switches contribute significantly to the sound of keypresses. Their bottoming out or spring-back effect are all sound-producing actions. Therefore, swapping your switches can dramatically change your keyboard’s sound. For instance, linear switches like Cherry MX Red and Black are favored for their smooth keystrokes resulting in a soft, ‘thocky’ sound. On the other hand, clicky switches such as the Cherry MX Blue are sought for their louder, crisp, and audible ‘click-clack’ sound.
Similarly, springs inside the switches can be swapped or modified to change the keystrokes’ sound. With varied weights and forms, such as slow, progressive, or complex, the options are numerous. Spring swapping can result in a drastic improvement in sound by reducing ‘spring ping’ or the high-pitched metallic sound produced by the deforming spring.
Caps and Materials
Finally, the material and profile of keycaps play an essential role in the overall sound outcome. Different materials offer unique sound properties. PBT keycaps tend to produce thicker and lower-pitched sound compared to their ABS counterparts. Similarly, SA profile keycaps are known to produce a deeper ‘thock’ sound compared to DSA or XDA profiles due to their sculpted design and more substantial volume.
In conclusion, sound modding in a keyboard isn’t just about the audible aspect; it’s also about the tactile feedback that goes hand in hand with the sound. By customizing your keyboard using lubes, foams, different switches, or keycaps, you create a unique peripheral that matches your desired auditory and sensory preferences. Providing an enhanced typing experience, the art of sound mods is an essential skill for all keyboard enthusiasts.
Note: While this article serves to guide you, always remember that ‘sound preference’ is deeply personal. Your preference might differ from others, hence why it’s important to do sound mods based on your sensory liking.
