Whether used as a dampening layer inside your keyboard case or applied directly to keycaps, Sorbothane foam can significantly enhance the typing experience by creating a quieter and more enjoyable environment for users and those around them. Poron Foam High density: It has a relatively high density, which contributes to its excellent sound-dampening capabilities. The density of Sorbothane foam can vary depending on the specific application and requirements. Ensure that the foam doesn't obstruct switches, stabilizers, or keycaps. Test the keypresses and keycap removal to verify clearance.

Which one you choose mostly relies on your preferences, your financial situation, and the available space within your keyboard. 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. If you choose to perform PE Mod on your Optical keyboard, please make sure that none of the lasers or stems are obstructed.

Over the last year, the custom keyboard hobby has exploded, bringing with it a plethora of new innovations and modifications. Step 3: Clean the keyboard: Before installing the foam, use a cleaning cloth to wipe down the inside of the keyboard case, the PCB (printed circuit board), and other components. Remove tiny pieces of of food and dust, and other debris to ensure proper adhesion and a clean installation.

Before applying adhesive or securing the foam permanently, perform a test fit to make sure it aligns correctly and doesn't interfere with keyboard components.If all you have is white PE Foam, it is recommended to do this only on boards with proper ESD electro-static discharge protection. If you are unable to de-solder your switches for the PE Foam Mod (or are simply too lazy like me) then consider trying the “ Tempest Tape Mod“. A large part of a keyboard’s hollow, tinny note comes from the metal plate vibrating with the keystrokes. This is further amplified by the 3.5mm gap between the PCB and the plate acting as an acoustic chamber. We will fill this gap with dampening material to mitigate the hollow sound. The anti-vibration properties of material also prevent the plate from generating noise. This should allow the natural sound of the switch to stand out without being overshadowed by plate noise. Acoustically treating the case is much less complicated and tedious compared to the plate. Lining the inside of a box with foam isn’t complicated, but it is quite important. CNC-milled metal cases are highly dense mediums that transfer internal noise quite efficiently. Adding a sound-dampening layer prevents this from happening. The actual method will vary ever so slightly with the mounting style of your case. Be sure to read our keyboard basics guide if that sounded Greek and Latin to you. That article covers all the bases. The crucial points to punch are the holes for the center pin and two plastic pins, as well as holes for PCB-Mount stabilizers. You may choose to poke holes for the metal pins as well, but they are generally sharp enough to pierce the foam.

Lube: Synthetic grease used on switches and stabilizers. This can be dielectric grease (for stabilizers) or a thinner lube, like Krytox, for switches. Switch selection: Different mechanical switch types have varying noise profiles. Some switches, like Cherry MX Silent or Gateron Silent switches, are designed to be quieter than standard switches. Choosing quieter switches can significantly reduce typing noise.By now, you may inspect if your keyboard’s PCB is hot-swapped or solder-only. Most people may have already noted this feature when they bought their keyboard, but on the off-chance that you’re not sure, you may gently tug on a switch with a switch puller or a dull pair of tweezers to see if you can remove the switch by hand. While the PE foam mod has its perks, some users have also voiced out dislike of the mod for a few reasons. First, some users feel the PE foam mode takes away from the keyboard’s aesthetics since the PE foam will likely be visible on clear acrylic boards or clear keyboard plates. There are many various varieties of foam available, so we’ll discuss them all and determine which is the best. Best Sound Dampening Foams for Mechanical Keyboards 1. Sorbothane Some case designs are held together by plastic clips, in which case you’ll need to work your way around the keyboard unclipping everything until the case pops apart. Think about the longevity and durability of the dampening foam. Choose materials that will maintain their effectiveness over time.