So, I’ve made the mistake of entering a keyboard store in Berlin. Nothing ergonomic there, so all they deal with are great looking boards, heavy, well built, and quiet!

I’ve built and designed my share of boards, and the sound hadn’t bothered me at all until recently. I’ve designed my first 3d printed case, it’s a one piece, just needs a bottom cover.

It acts like an amplifier to my typing. It’s not a pleasant sound at all.

What would be the best way to design a quieter one piece board? What materials could make a difference? I was thinking of a metal switch plate, can It be used together with 3d printed layers? Wood? Should I use foam?

Looking for a choc build (more difficult due to lack of silent choc switches) as well as an mx build (probably bobba u4 switches, which will take care of most of the noise)

Thanks!

  • @[email protected]
    5•1 year ago

    similar to a drum, the empty space inside the case acts as a resonator and most of the dampening options try to fill in the space – EDIT: reminder that whatever you use, make sure it’s non-conductive

    • initial sound generation – silent switches, no long-pole stems – reminder that switches generate as much sound on upstroke as downstroke
    • dampening the plate response – burger mount, gasket mount
    • empty space between plate and PCB – most commonly filled in with laser cut Poron foam (“plate foam”)
    • empty space in case under PCB – filled in with a whole range of materials
      • most common currently also laser cut Poron foam (“case foam”)
      • early experiments with rubber shelf liner, Sorbothane (automotive audio dampener), and Poly-fil all with good affordable results
      • high-end DIY includes silicone pours – filling up the bottom of the case with silicone and letting it set in place (how-tos on Youtube)
    • @DanL4OP
      1•1 year ago

      Thanks! That’s one serious checklist :-)

      The case I made might be a lost cause - it’s got very little space for dampening the sound with foam, but enough to become an echo chamber. I’ll see what I can do, but not optimistic.

      I will keep this in mind for my next design though.

      Thanks again!