Mechanical keyboard foam dampening is a fantastic way to enhance your typing experience by reducing rattle and resonance noise. However, it can seem like a daunting task for beginners. This article offers handy tricks and tips for keyboard foam dampening. We’ll give you a comprehensive guide on what you need, how to install the foam, and the benefits you can expect.
Knowing what Material to Use:
Several materials are suitable for this purpose, but the most common are neoprene, silicone, and Sorbothane. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that provides excellent sound dampening and is widely available. Silicone is another excellent choice as it provides ample dampening and is heat resistant. However, it’s relatively expensive compared to neoprene. On the other hand, Sorbothane offers excellent sound dampening properties but is the most expensive option.
Understanding the Foam Thickness:
Foam thickness is also an integral factor to consider. The thick foam provides better sound absorption and minimizes the metallic sound. However, too thick, and the foam won’t fit in your keyboard. Therefore, the thickness of the foam should be scaled to the extra space in your keyboard’s case. A thickness of 2mm to 3mm is generally enough.
Preparing Your Materials:
Once you’ve sorted out the type and thickness of the foam, the next step involves preparing your materials. You’ll need scissors or a craft knife, a pen, a sheet of paper, and of course, your foam. Lay the piece of paper over the bottom of your keyboard case, and sketch around the edges. Cut around the drawn outline to create a template.
Cutting the Foam:
Place the template onto your foam, and carefully cut around the outline. Be sure to measure the precise cutout spots for standoffs or screws on your keyboard and include them in your foam. The foam should be cut as accurately as possible to ensure a snug fit, avoiding shifting or squeezing.
Installing the Foam:
To install the foam, simply place it in the empty base of your keyboard, ensuring holes align with the corresponding spots on your keyboard. After this, you can proceed to reassemble your keyboard.
Pre-cut vs. DIY:
You can find pre-cut foam for popular keyboard models, which saves you the trouble of cutting out foam yourself. However, they can be more expensive than simply buying a sheet of foam and cutting it yourself. If you prefer a DIY approach or have a less common keyboard model, cutting your own foam is an excellent option.
Case Foam vs. Plate Foam:
You have the option to place foam beneath your PCB (case foam), between the plate and PCB (plate foam), or both. The plate foam reduces high-pitched spring pings and helps with uniform sound across all keys. Case foam, on the other hand, reduces hollowness and resonance in the case.
Performing a Sound Test:
Once you’ve completed the foam dampening, it pays to conduct a sound test. You can compare the results before and after the foam dampening. This comparison will give you a better understanding of the achieved noise reduction, and whether further adjustments need to be made.
Understanding the Pros and Cons:
Foam dampening indeed reduces keyboard noise, but it’s important to recognize that it also muffles the typing sound, which some people appreciate. The reduced noise may also lead to a less tactile feel, which some users might not prefer.
Learning from Others:
Communities on platforms like Reddit and YouTube provide a treasure trove of shared experiences, tips, and tricks. Don’t hesitate to learn from others; their experiences can save you from making mistakes and give you some fresh ideas.
In conclusion, mechanical keyboard foam dampening is an intricate process that requires patience and precision. It allows you to create a more personalized and enjoyable typing experience. With the right knowledge and tools at hand, you can enhance the performance of your mechanical keyboard, so why not give it a try?
