Foam mods, otherwise known as sound dampening or acoustic treatment, have become increasingly popular within the keyboard community. Recognizing the transformative effects this modification can have on a keyboard’s sound, enthusiasts are eager to learn more about the practice, its benefits, its process, and the best types of foam to use.
The use of foam mods can significantly improve a keyboard’s acoustic performance by damping out excess reverberations within the chassis. Unwanted sounds produced by key presses are absorbed, instead of being reflected back. What’s more, foam mods also give a more customized, fulfilling thud when tapping at the keys. This becomes an inexpensive way of upgrading your mechanical keyboard for a better typing experience.
Many users prefer keyboards with foam mods as they provide a denser and more satisfying sound. Foam-modded keyboards can have a significant reduction in high frequencies emitted by keystrokes, and these keyboards create a deep, thumpy, and more consistent sound, as opposed to a cheap, clattery sound produced by standard keyboards.
There are several types of foams to consider when planning your foam mod. Each of these has its unique properties and applications, and understanding them will help you make a more informed decision about your mod. The types vary from Neoprene, Sorbothane, EVA, PE, or even a simple table mat.
Neoprene is the most common foam used, known for its firmness and ability to absolve vibrations effectively. It is reasonably inexpensive, easy to cut, and customizable to fit a wide range of keyboard sizes. However, it’s not the most effective at reducing sound; it mainly aids to create a dampened bottom-out feel.
Sorbothane, on the other hand, is excellent at sound and vibration absorption. It’s denser than most other foam materials and requires little thickness to achieve sound reduction. Unfortunately, Sorbothane is difficult to work with and is relatively expensive compared to Neoprene.
Similarly, EVA and PE foam are other fantastic yet inexpensive alternatives. EVA foam is lighter and soft, typically used in crafting projects and is effective at absorbing substantial amounts of sound. In comparison, PE foam is denser and firmer, making it great for absorbing vibrations. It can be purchased in pre-cut sheets, saving you the hassle of cutting it yourself.
When implementing foam mods, you need to insert them between your mechanical keyboard’s PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and the keyboard casing. The foam should be cut to the size of the internal area and laid flat, ensuring it doesn’t bulge or interfere with the key switches.
Some users have reported that adding foam to the area under the PCB and above the case bottom improves the sound more significantly. However, you must ensure that the foam does not press against the PCB, as that could damage the components or interfere with the mechanical part of the key switches.
You can also apply foam under the keycaps to absorb the sound produced when the keycap bottoms out on the switch housing. Adding foam here eliminates the hollow sound or echo effect created from vibrations beneath the keycaps.
There are potential challenges when adding foam mods, the most notable being the keyboards with LEDs. Using thicker foam materials may stifle LED lights. Consequently, you may need to opt for thinner, more transparent types, like silicone or rubber sheets. It would be best if you always were careful not to block off LEDs, Bluetooth modules, or other important PCB components with the foam.
In conclusion, adding foam mods is a cost-effective method of improving your keyboard’s sound significantly. In a short while, it can change your typing experience by not only absorbing excess noise but also adding a refined and sophisticated sound to each keystroke. Whichever foam you choose to use for your project, ensure it suits your keyboard design and fulfills your sound preferences. With all these points considered, you’re on the right path to achieving a better-sounding keyboard.
Remember, the choice to modify your keyboard is personal and hobbyist, reflecting your preferred tastes and sound aesthetics. Like most hobbies, foam modding is an area for experimentation and personal discovery. Your ideal keyboard sound may differ from others, and the idea is to mod your keyboard to your ultimate satisfaction. Don’t shy away from trying different materials and methods until you find the perfect match for you.
Helpful tip: always document your process. It makes it easier to backtrack or repeat your successful mods on different boards. Happy modding!
