Introduction Mechanical keyboards have seen a huge surge in popularity among tech enthusiasts in recent years. One of the main reasons is the satisfying “thock” sound that a well-built mechanical keyboard makes when typing. This rich, deep sound is like music to the ears of mechanical keyboard fans.
In this article, we will go through 5 tricks to build your own custom keyboard that sounds incredible and provides an unparalleled typing experience. From choosing the right switches and keycaps to proper mounting and lubing, we have got you covered. So let’s get started!
Choose Tactile Switches
The switch is essentially the heart of any mechanical keyboard. Tactile switches with longer travel and an obvious bump feedback provide the best thock. Some great “thocky” switch options are:
- Boba U4T
- Durock T1
- Gateron Ink Black V2
These switches have a deep, bassy sound signature that really emphasizes the thock. The boba U4T, in particular, is a popular choice among custom keyboard enthusiasts.
Get High-Profile Keycaps
After the switches, the keycaps play a big role in producing the thock. High-profile keycaps are thicker and sound deeper. Some excellent high-profile ABS and PBT options are:
- GoblinTechkeys PBT keycaps
- GMK ABS keycaps
- NicePBT PBT keycaps
The thicker walls on these keycaps help enrich the acoustics. EnjoyPBT and NicePBT keycaps are more accessible, while GMK sets are premium.
Case Mounting Style Matters
The keyboard case and mounting style also impact the acoustics. Top mount cases offer the flex needed to bring out the deepest thock. Some top mount custom keyboards worth checking out are:
- GMK67 Keyboard
- Protozoa Studio Heracles
- Bauer 2
These keyboards utilize a top mount design that allows the plate and PCB to have a bouncier typing feel, emphasizing the thockiness.
Lube the Switches
Lubing the switches is vital for both the smoothness and acoustics. Thicker Krytox lube like GPL 205 Grade 0 makes tactile switches sound deeper without reducing tactility. The process can be time consuming but is worth every second!
Tape Mod
Implementing tape mod is one of the easiest acoustic tweaks. All it requires is placing foam or painter’s tape within the empty space of the keyboard case. This dampens pinging noises and brings out the thock. Make sure not to overdo the tape amount to avoid making the keyboard sound muted.
Conclusion
Building a custom mechanical keyboard that sounds thocky takes research and care. Choosing the right tactile switches, keycaps, mounting style and meticulously lubing and taping modding helps maximize acoustic potential. The time invested is rewarded by an unbelievably satisfied typing experience. With the tricks above, your custom keyboard is sure to sound incredible. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips for a thocky build!
