Resonance control: Poron foam can help control resonances within electronic devices and mechanical keyboards. It minimizes the risk of unwanted vibrations and the subsequent ringing or echoing sounds associated with resonances. There are a ton of different foam options out there so we’ll go over the different types and decide which kind is the best. Different keyboards have different case designs. Create a template out of cardboard or paper that matches the shape and size of your keyboard's interior. This template can serve as a guide for cutting the foam precisely.

The silicone dampening mod is more complex and time-consuming than case foams. In addition, there aren’t many companies offering pre-made silicone molds for custom keyboards. Also, more complex keyboard builds may not work well with the silicone dampening mod. Bottom-out: When a switch is pressed all the way down and can travel no further. Results in a louder typing sound. If adhesive squeezes out from the edges of the foam, trim it carefully with a craft knife to maintain a clean appearance.Improved acoustic comfort: For the user, a quieter keyboard can create a more comfortable and less fatiguing typing environment. The constant noise of typing on a loud keyboard can be mentally draining over time. Dampening the sound allows for a more peaceful and enjoyable typing experience. If you have plate foam as well, place that between the PCB and Plate now. Step 06 Install Switches. Preserving keyboard durability: Sound dampening materials, such as foam, can also help protect the internal components of a mechanical keyboard by reducing the impact and wear caused by keypresses. This may extend the lifespan of the keyboard. Sorbothane is our go-to for sound dampening foam. This material was made for the purpose of reducing sound and vibration. It is also the most expensive option, so while it is technically the best, it may not fit into your budget.

Thermal insulation: Neoprene foam possesses thermal insulation properties, which can be beneficial in some applications. While primarily used for sound dampening, it can also help with heat dissipation in certain situations. For enthusiasts and professionals, the feel and sound of typing on a mechanical keyboard are not just functional aspects. These are auditory art forms that inspire passion and dedication. However, this audible joy can sometimes turn into a cacophony in shared spaces or quiet environments. Users then look for the perfect balance between the mechanical switch experience and a quieter typing ambiance. Grab a fine marker (preferably a dry erase type, so you can erase the lines after if you’re one for aesthetics). Trace around the plate and the stabilizer-fit holes. Mark dots for where the switches’ center pin (the largest one) will lay to ease switch placement. Cut Around the Lines with Scissors or an Exacto Knife. Reddit user u/ mavsmcfc is the original poster of the PE foam mod information guide under the MechanicalKeyboards subreddit. They recounted their experience of using PE foam in addition to the case foams included in the keyboard kits they’ve bought but had since changed the way they used the foam when they saw Owlabs’ ingenious design of the Jelly Epoch. Viscoelastic properties: Sorbothane is a viscoelastic material, meaning it exhibits both viscous (fluid-like) and elastic (solid-like) properties. This combination allows it to dissipate energy and absorb vibrations effectively.Over the last two years, I’ve developed an unhealthy obsession with tweaking every keyboard that crosses my desk until it sounds and feels exactly how I want it to. With a little know-how, it’s possible to turn even a budget keyboard, custom or not, into an impressive and satisfying tool of its trade. If you don’t have the money for an expensive DIY kit, or simply want to push your existing keyboard to its limit, this is the guide for you. Glossary of Important Terms This article delves into the realm of sound dampening, where DIY meets the symphony of keystrokes. It explores the various aspects of selecting the ideal sound dampening foam for mechanical keyboards, shedding light on the characteristics, sound-dampening qualities, and factors to consider when making this critical decision. Longevity: Sorbothane's durability ensures that its sound-dampening qualities remain effective over time, providing consistent noise reduction and vibration control throughout the keyboard's lifespan.

If you chose not to trim your foam earlier, do so now before re-assembling your board. Step 08 Assemble KeyboardYou won’t get as good of a sound reduction as filling your keyboard full of sorbothane or neoprene, but you’ll see a significant improvement. Determine the current noise level of your keyboard. If it's excessively loud, you may want to prioritize materials with excellent sound-dampening properties.