Keyboard sound dampening is a sought-after technique amongst both casual and professional typists, aiming to elevate the auditory experience of their gaming or working sessions. This guide will detail several procedures you can execute yourself, transforming the audible clatter of your keys into a soothing, low-pitched hum. Remember, though, each of these methods comes with its pros, cons, and relative levels of difficulty, so choose the one that suits your needs and skill set best.
One of the easier and more popular methods for DIY keyboard sound dampening involves the use of O-rings. These tiny silicone rings are placed around the keycap stems, reducing the noise produced when a key is bottomed out. For a standard-size keyboard, you’ll need approximately 105 O-rings.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Removal of Keycaps: A keycap puller simplifies this process. Slide the puller under a keycap, gently pull upwards until it is loosened.
- Installation of Rings: Slide the O-ring onto a keycap stem and push it down. Repeat this process for all keycaps.
- Reinstall Keycaps: Carefully align each keycap with its corresponding switch stem, then press down firmly.
Pros and Cons
O-rings are relatively inexpensive and installation is straightforward. However, they only absorb the sound of bottoming out and may alter the typing feel slightly by reducing key travel.
Adding dampening material inside your keyboard case is an effective method to absorb unwanted sounds. Materials commonly used for this purpose include foam sheets, dampening pads, or even silicone gel pads.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Disassemble the Keyboard: Designed to be easy to disassemble, a mechanical keyboard typically requires only a few screws to be removed. Be sure to consult your keyboard’s manual or look up a guide for your specific model before starting.
- Cut the Dampening Material: Cut your chosen material to fit the case’s inner bottom. The aim is to create a barrier between the key switches and the case bottom.
- Install the Material and Reassemble: Place the cut material inside the case and reassemble the keyboard. You can use double-sided tape to hold the material down if necessary.
Pros and Cons
This method allows for more sound absorption and retains the original key travel. However, it requires more work and a careful hand for proper installation.
Here, your goal is to reduce friction, eliminating the noise caused by switch components rubbing against each other. A specific keyboard lubricant like Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 or Tribosys 3204 can be used.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Disassemble the Keyboard: Start by unplugging your keyboard and removing the keycaps and switches.
- Open the Switches: Do this using a switch opener, splitting the upper and lower housings.
- Apply Lubricant: Use a small brush, apply a thin layer of the chosen lubricant on the lower housing, the stem, and the spring. Avoid applying lube on any parts where electrical contacts happen for the switch to work.
- Reassemble: Put the switch components back together, the keycaps on and then the keyboard itself.
Pros and Cons
Lubricating switches not only reduces noise but also provides a smoother feel. However, it can be a time-consuming process and over-lubrication may lead to performance issues.
Silence clips are additional components that silence both bottoming out and upstroke sounds. They clip onto the stem of each key switch, absorbing the impact with a soft material layer.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Remove Keycaps and Switches: Start by unplugging the keyboard, remove keycaps and switches.
- Attach Silence Clips: Fix the silence clips onto each key switch. Ensure that the clips are properly seated before proceeding.
- Reinstall Switches and Keycaps: Reinstall each switch and place the corresponding keycap back.
Pros and Cons
Silence clips are great for keeping the original typing feel while reducing sound significantly. However, they can be a bit pricey and require some precision in the installation.
Acoustic mats can be placed underneath the keyboard to absorb sound. They come in various materials like neoprene, silicone, and rubber.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Select an Appropriate Mat: Choose a mat that fits well under your keyboard and complements your desk environment.
- Place the Mat: Simply place the mat underneath your keyboard. No other installation steps are required.
Pros and Cons
Acoustic mats are effortless to use, portable and can complement your desk style. However, they do not target any internal noise sources and are not as effective as other methods mentioned here.
In conclusion, there are various methods to apply DIY keyboard sound dampening, each with its perks and flaws. You can experiment with a blend of these techniques to achieve your ideal balance between sound reduction and typing experience. Happy typing!
