Mechanical keyboards are loved by typists and gamers alike for their satisfying tactile feedback, quicker response times, and long-lasting durability. One factor often overlooked by newcomers to the mechanical keyboard hobby is the sound they produce. Not all mechanical switches sound the same; the noise can range from a high-pitched click to a deeper thock, which can significantly influence typing experience. Modifying switches, such as tweaking the springs, can adjust the sound to ensure a more pleasant and personalized typing experience. This article will delve deep into the world of mechanical keyboard switch spring mods for sound.
Firstly, it is essential to understand mechanical keyboard springs’ role. They are located inside the switch, providing resistance when pressing a key. The springs’ characteristics, including material, size, tension, and shape, influence the overall sound produced. For example, a spring with high tension requires more force to be actuated, which typically results in louder sounds.
A popular spring modding technique in the mechanical keyboard community is spring swapping. This entails replacing the original spring in a switch with a different one. Springs come in various weights, which, in layman’s terms, describes how much force is needed to press the switch. Heavier springs, requiring more force, often result in a denser and deeper “thock” sound, whereas lighter springs, that need less force, often produce a clearer and higher-pitched “click” sound.
Sound testing by users has revealed that gold-plated springs, apart from offering rust resistance, often reduce the spring noise or ‘ping.’ This feature creates a more consistent and smoother keystroke sound. It is worth noting that sourcing high-quality springs from reliable vendors is crucial to achieving a satisfying sound profile, as inferior quality springs may produce unwanted noise.
Lubrication of the springs, known as spring lubing, is another favored mod among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, aiming to reduce noise. Various types of lube are used for this purpose, often formulated specifically for mechanical keyboard springs. The goal of lubrication is to reduce the friction between the spring and the switch housing resulting in a smoother, less rattly sound.
Some enthusiasts also perform a technique called spring ‘bag lubing.’ This involves placing multiple springs into a bag with some lubricant, giving them a thorough shake to apply lube evenly. While this technique tends to be less precise than individually applying lube to each spring, it is a more time-efficient method for modding a large number of springs.
Testing and getting feedback from the community often accompanies this modding process, replicating the same switch type and spring mod in different keyboard cases, plates, and with different keycap compositions, shows how differences in these components can modify the end sound.
One of the more niche spring mods known as spring reverb modification involves adding material to the switch’s bottom. This mod attempts to reduce the hollow noise that echoes from the spring hitting the bottom of the switch, which can be bothersome for some users. Common materials used include silicone pads, foam, or even a custom 3D printed part that fits exactly in the given switch.
For those looking for experimental mods, ‘silent switches’ could be worth scrutinizing. These come with rubber bumpers on their stems, quieting down the sound of the switch significantly.
While the sound is a significant factor, the modding process should also consider tactile feedback of the switch, known as tactility. Some modifications can affect this key part of the typing experience.
Lastly, it is pertinent to clarify that the sound is subjective, and what sounds pleasing to one person might be displeasing to another. Factors such as typing style, speed, and force each play a role in the perceived sound, making each typing experience unique. Therefore, researching, testing various mods, and participating in the mechanical keyboard community discourse is crucial to finding a sound profile that enhances your typing or gaming pleasure.
In conclusion, modifying the springs in your mechanical keyboard switches can be a rewarding project, allowing you to create a unique, enjoyable auditory experience. Whether you prefer a sharp, clicky noise, a deeper thock, or somewhere in between, with some research, patience, and perhaps a bit of trial-and-error, you can tweak your keyboard to find your perfect sound.
