Building a thocky keyboard is a desirable venture for both hobbyists and professionals alike. The rich and satisfying sound produced by a thocky keyboard is simply beyond compare for keyboard enthusiasts. While custom mechanical keyboards can cost upwards of several hundred dollars, it’s entirely possible to build a top-notch thocky keyboard on a budget. In this segment, we will analyze and outline how you can put your dream keyboard together without having to break the bank.
When building an economical thocky keyboard, many factors come into play such as the choice of switches, keycaps, stabilizers, plate material, and the case. These components significantly affect both the sound and feel of the keyboard, and therefore it’s essential to meticulously curate them to meet your personal preferences while maintaining an affordable budget.
Choice of Switches
Switches are a crucial component in a thocky keyboard as they heavily influence the sound and tactility. They come in three types – linear, tactile, and clicky. To achieve a deep and low-pitch thock, you should lean towards linear switches. They are quiet compared to other switch types but produce a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to the thocky sound profile.
Gateron Yellow switches are known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes, and they are fantastic for a budget thocky build. With a price as low as $0.20 per switch on some platforms like Banggood or AliExpress, it offers a balance between quality and affordability.
Keycaps
Another significant contributor to the thocky sound is the keycap. Thickness and material determine how the keycap resonates sound when hit. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps are more preferred for a thocky keyboard because they are denser and provide a deeper sound compared to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps. Hatchet-01 PBT keycaps are a great affordable option, with prices starting at around $30.
Stabilizers
Unsurprisingly, stabilizers also play a role in the overall sound and feel of the keyboard. For a thocky keyboard, screw-in stabilizers are more suitable because they provide a more solid and thocky sound, compared to clip-in stabilizers. Durock and Everglide are good affordable stabilizer brands that you can check out. Ensure you lube your stabilizers to reduce rattle, leading to a cleaner thock sound.
Plate Material and Design
The keyboard plate enhances the overall rigidity of the keyboard and holds the switches in place. Simultaneously, it also contributes to the keyboard’s sound profile. Aluminium is widely used due to its balance between affordability and sound diffusion. Remember to opt for a plate with flexible mount points to allow for a deeper, thocky sound.
Case
The last core component to consider is the keyboard case, and this is where most of the keyboard’s thock is determined. High-density materials produce a low-pitched sound, contributing to the thockiness. Beginners on a budget might want to start with an ABS or Polycarbonate case. The NK65 Entry Edition is a budget-friendly option with a fully assembled plate and stabilizers, which aids in a seamless building process.
Assembly
The building process is simple but requires patience and precision. After assembling your stabilizers and installing them onto the plate, mount your switches onto the plate and solder them onto the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Following this, mount the entire assembly into the case, screw everything together and finish it off by keycaps placement based on your preferred layout.
Modifications
To increase the thockiness of your keyboard, you can consider some budget-friendly modifications. These include lubing and filming switches to reduce the wobble and high-pitched noise and using foam or sorbothane sheets inside the case to dampen excess sound and accentuate deeper tones.
Software
Once the physical build is complete, your thocky keyboard’s customization isn’t over yet. Using software like VIA or QMK Firmware, you can program your keyboard’s layout, RGB lighting, macros, and more.
In conclusion, building a thocky keyboard on a budget requires planning and mindful selection of components. It’s a journey of learning and discovery, and the end product will undoubtedly be rewarding. With the right approach, you can construct an affordable keyboard that offers a typing experience on par with more pricey options on the market. Remember, the thocky keyboard caters to user preference, so don’t forget to enjoy the process and build a keyboard that you will love to use.
