One imperative characteristic that enthusiasts look for in their mechanical keyboards is that satisfactory click-clack of the keys. However, not everyone is so delighted about that distinct sound. For someone working in a shared space, the resonating echoes from the keyboard can become a nuisance. That’s exactly why DIY sound dampening for your mechanical keyboard has become such a popular solution in recent years.
To start, let’s understand what causes the sound in mechanical keyboards. The typing sound is usually produced by the keys rebounding against the plate or the casing upon release. This noise is further amplified by hollow spaces inside the keyboard. Addressing these areas with sound dampening modifications not only reduce the noise but also subtly shift the overall sound to a more pleasing tone.
## Choosing the Right Tools
Before beginning, gather the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need for the process:
1. A keycap puller to remove the keys (you can typically find one of these in the packaging of your mechanical keyboard).
2. A screwdriver to disassemble the keyboard.
3. Lubricant, ideally a mixture of thin and thick lube (Krytox GP 205 Grade 0 and GP 105).
4. O-Rings or silicone dampeners to cushion the keypresses.
5. Sound-dampening foam or mat, like neoprene or Sorbothane, that fits your keyboard’s base.
6. Band-aids or any thin fabric tape.
## Lubricating the Stabilizers and Switches
The first step you’ll want to take is lubricating the stabilizers and switches. These are the parts of your keyboard that work together to stabilize the movement of keys and prevent them from wobbling when pressed.
1. Start by unplugging your keyboard. Afterward, using the keycap puller, remove all the keys, exposing the underlying structure.
2. Look for the larger keys on your board, like the Spacebar, Return, Shift, and Backspace. These keys have stabilizers that can create a rattling noise when typing.
3. Carefully remove the stabilizers and apply some thick lube (Krytox GP 205 Grade 0) to the plastic clips and the wire to reduce friction, thus reducing sound.
4. The next step is to lubricate the switches. Using the thin lube (Krytox GP 105), gently apply it to the stem of each switch. Remember, over-lubricating can lead to a mushy feel. Less is more here.
## Installing O-Rings
O-Rings or dampeners are small, ring-shaped devices that you install beneath your keys. Their primary function is to cushion the keypresses by literally dampening the sound of the switch bottoms out against the keyboard casing.
5. Using your keycap puller, grab the keycap by its sides, and slowly lift it off the switch. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the switch underneath.
6. Once removed, you can proceed to install O-rings on the cope of the keycap stem.
7. Gently push the O-ring up the stem until it is snug against the cross-shaped section at the top of the stem.
8. Replace the keycap on the switch and press firmly until it is secure. Test it out, and if it’s to your liking, repeat with the rest of your keys!
## Applying Band-Aid Mod
The Band-Aid mod, though sounding strange, is a popular solution in the mechanical keyboard community. It reduces the clattering sound your stabilizers make when they hit the PCB.
9. Cut small pieces of band-aid or fabric tape equal to the width of your stabilizers.
10. Apply these pieces at the spot where the stabilizer wire hits the PCB.
11. Once in place, dab some lube over the band-aid for slightly increased smoothness.
## Installing Sound-dampening Foam
The last step in soundproofing is filling the hollow spaces inside the keyboard case. These spaces often resonate with the sound of typing, amplifying the noise.
12. Disassemble the keyboard case using your screwdriver. Make sure to store all screws safely and take note of where they go.
13. Cut the sound-dampening foam to fit the base of your keyboard case, making sure to leave spaces for the PCB, cable, and screw holes.
14. Place the foam inside the case and assemble it back. The foam will suppress any reverberations from typing, yielding a satisfying, muted sound.
By following these steps, you can significantly decrease the sound emissions from your mechanical keyboard. Remember, these modifications aren’t just for those looking for a quieter typing experience. They are also for those who want to shift their keyboard’s sound profile to a deeper, thump-like tone. So, let’s bring the quiet and the qalm in your typing, making it more pleasurable for you and everyone around! Happy Modding!
