Top Mods to Improve Keyboard Thock Sound

1. NovelKeys Creams

NovelKeys Creams are the quintessential mods for any key enthusiast interested in enhancing the ‘thick’ thock sound made by their mechanical keyboards. These linear switches feature a unique design comprising self-lubricating POM plastic sliders that result in low friction. However, it’s the incredibly satisfying, deep, thocky sound that makes them a popular choice. Enthusiasts interesting in making the sound even deeper can utilize break-in or lube these switches for a profound ‘creaminess.’

2. GMK Screw-In Stabilizers

Stabilizers are crucial in ensuring that larger keys, such as Enter, Shift, Space, and Backspace, hit the PCB evenly. Without them, your keys could sound rattly. Among many brands, GMK Screw-In Stabilizers rank highly when it comes to reducing rattle and amplifying the deep resonance of the thock sound. Their sonic performance is enhanced when paired with grease or lubricant for a smoother keystroke.

3. Films: Deskeys Switch Films

DesKeys switch films are another exceptional modification that can dramatically improve your keyboard’s thock sound. They are thin pieces of plastic designed to further decrease the wobble between the top and bottom halves of an MX style switch. Their use not only allows for a crisper, cleaner sound but also enhances the switch’s overall feel.

4. Band-Aid Mod

One popular mod in the mechanical keyboard community is the band-aid mod. By placing a piece of a soft band-aid or fabric at the bottom of where the stabilizer hits the PCB, you effectively dampen the sound produced, lending to a perfectly thockier sound. Dampening those keystrokes gives an extra thunky thock, especially when placed well on the spacebar.

5. ZealPC Zilent V2 switches

For sound enthusiasts who prefer tactile switches, the ZealPC Zilent V2 switches provide an ideally balanced ‘thock.’ The generous tactile bump mixed with a carefully dampened return stroke makes these amongst the quietest ‘thocky’ switches in the vibe.

6. QMX Clips

QMX Clips, or locally known as QMX Silencing Clips, are another mod you can use to improve the thock sound of your mechanical keyboard. They effectively dampen the bottom-out and upstroke noise that you would usually get when typing. It results in a soft, barely audible sound that significantly enhances the thock effect.

7. Case Foam: MKUltra

MKUltra offers a variety of case foams designed to dampen the resonating sound within the keyboard’s case. These foams provide layers of sound-absorbent material that eliminate annoying ping sounds and improve the overall keyboard noise, resulting in a solid, refined thock sound.

8. Dampening mats: Sorbothane

Another tried-and-true method in the keyboard community is using dampening mats such as Sorbothane mats, which are known for their outstanding shock-absorbing properties. By placing these mats at the bottom of your keyboard case, they help dampen the sound and produce a rich, deep thock.

9. Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 Lube

The Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 Lube is a popular modification choice for introducing a thicker thock sound. The thin, yet high-quality lubricant, allows for seamless movement of the switch parts and eliminates unwanted noises. This mod significantly improves both the sound and feel of your keyboard.

10. Plate Material: Durock POM plates

Lastly, the choice of plate material plays a significant role in the final sound of your keyboard. For a premium, “thockier” sounding keyboard, Durock’s POM plates are recommended. POM, or Polyoxymethylene, is a strong yet flexible material that gives keys a gentle, thock-oriented resonance.

Steps for easy mods to improve the thock sound:

1. Choose your switches wisely: Deciding on the keyboard switch greatly influences the final sound. Go in for popular options like NovelKeys Creams or ZealPC Silent V2 switches that are acclaimed for their deep, thick thock sound.

2. Switch Films: After selecting the switches, opt for a switch film. DesKey Switch Films reduce wobble, giving a more distinct, satisfying thock.

3. Lubrication & Band-aid Mod: Using lubricants like Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 on the switches enhances the overall feel and sound. For stabilizers, consider the band-aid mod for an extra thock.

4. Stabilizers: Stabilizers play an essential role in reducing ‘rattliness.’ GMK Screw-In Stabilizers are great options worth considering.

5. Sound Dampening: Using case foam from MKUltra or dampening mats like Sorbothane eliminate unwanted sound and enhance the thock itself.

6. Plate Material: Lastly, the Durock POM plate will instructively provide a thick, heavy bottom-out, adding to the desired thocky sound.

Improving your keyboard’s thock sound is an art, and these mods are tools to craft and perfect that art. Each modification is unique and brings something different to the table, ultimately contributing to the pleasing sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard.