Silencing Rings for Topre-Switch Keyboards

[Hypersphere]

I've finally found the time to complete the testing of my silencing rings for Topre-switch keyboards. They have been tested on HHKB Pro 2 and RF 87U keyboards, and (IMO) they work at least as well as the rings used in the Type-S HHKB Pro 2 and the silent version of the RF 87U.

Rings are mode from microcellular polyurethane foam supported with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Precision laser-cut to the following dimensions:

11 mm OD x 8.50 ID x 0.5 mm thick

Sold only in lots of the following sizes on eBay:

63 (for HHKB Pro 2, 60 + 3 extra), $45.00 + shipping.
69 (for FC660C, 66 + 3 extra), $49.50 + shipping.
90 (for RF87U or Novatouch TKL, 87 + 3 extra), $65.25 + shipping
107 (for RF104U, 104 + 3 extra), $78.00 + shipping

For some reason, the links on GH did not work. Please go to eBay and search for "silencing rings", which should take you to the listings. Otherwise, please try this new link to see if it works:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/katesattic2/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

Rings only. Sliders not included.

Installation: remove sliders from keyboard, slip ring over slider with shiny side up, reinsert slider plus ring into keyboard. Use one ring per switch, including one ring on center of switch for modifier keys.

SOLD "as is". No returns accepted. Will ship to USA, Western Europe, and the UK.

For illustrations, please see the eBay listings.

There is also a thread on DT that has additional information:

http://deskthority.net/help-f53/silencing-rings-for-topre-rf-or-hhkb-t10051.html

[SpAmRaY]

Links don't seem to work. And I'd be all over this but that price kills it completely.

[suicidal_orange]

Potentially interested but do you have a video to compare the sound to stock or would you be willing to send samples to someone local for a review?  It's a lot of money to spend on something new and unproven...

[Hypersphere]

Links don't seem to work. And I'd be all over this but that price kills it completely.

Sorry about the links. You are correct -- they don't seem to be working, so I have removed the links.

You can get there by going to eBay and searching for "silencing rings".

Regarding the price, the original cost for a minimum run of 100 rings was $1.95 apiece. I got the price down by increasing the number of the production run. This is a specialty material that is laser cut, hence the price.

I've installed the rings in a standard HHKB, and it sounds and feels identical to a Type-S.

If you are interested, more details can be found on DT, and I will add to the DT thread when I can find the time:

http://deskthority.net/help-f53/silencing-rings-for-topre-rf-or-hhkb-t10051.html

[atectatifern]

Ordered a set -- wanted to try the other mod but did not look forward to spending hours ironing landing pads. Looking forward to silencing this loud Novatouch!

[Hypersphere]

@atectatifern: Please let us know how the rings work out for you on a Novatouch. I have tested the rings on an RF87U and a HHKB Pro 2, but all I have done with the Novatouch is determine that the rings will fit on the switch stem. I think the switches for the modifiers might be a different design in the NT from those in the RF or HH, so that the rings might not work for the modifier switches in the NT as they do in the RF or HH.

For my HHKB, I used a single ring for the modifiers and spacebar, and this seems to work fine. I also lubed the modifiers and spacebar switches. In addition, I added some small squares of self-adhesive foam strips on top of the rubberized contact points under the HHKB spacebar.

[Bromono]

@atectatifern: Please let us know how the rings work out for you on a Novatouch. I have tested the rings on an RF87U and a HHKB Pro 2, but all I have done with the Novatouch is determine that the rings will fit on the switch stem. I think the switches for the modifiers might be a different design in the NT from those in the RF or HH, so that the rings might not work for the modifier switches in the NT as they do in the RF or HH.

For my HHKB, I used a single ring for the modifiers and spacebar, and this seems to work fine. I also lubed the modifiers and spacebar switches. In addition, I added some small squares of self-adhesive foam strips on top of the rubberized contact points under the HHKB spacebar.

do they impede the tactility of the switch at all?

[Hypersphere]

I find it difficult to dissect out tactility from the overall typing experience, which includes aural feedback. For example, when I first tested a Type-S HHKB Pro 2, I thought that the tactility was different from that of a standard HHKB Pro 2. However, when I tested them while wearing ear protectors, I found the tactility about the same between the two models.

Likewise, when comparing a standard HHKB Pro 2 vs a HHKB Pro 2 with the silencing rings installed, if I try to separate out the tactility from the difference in sound, I think that the tactility is about the same between the two. This is probably because the silencing rings dampen the return stroke rather than the down stroke of the key switch.

Not everyone prefers the sound of a damped Topre switch over the sound of a standard Topre switch. I wasn't sure that I liked it at first, but after using the damped version for a few weeks, I now prefer using my HHKB with the silencing rings installed.
 

[Bromono]

I find it difficult to dissect out tactility from the overall typing experience, which includes aural feedback. For example, when I first tested a Type-S HHKB Pro 2, I thought that the tactility was different from that of a standard HHKB Pro 2. However, when I tested them while wearing ear protectors, I found the tactility about the same between the two models.

Likewise, when comparing a standard HHKB Pro 2 vs a HHKB Pro 2 with the silencing rings installed, if I try to separate out the tactility from the difference in sound, I think that the tactility is about the same between the two. This is probably because the silencing rings dampen the return stroke rather than the down stroke of the key switch.

Not everyone prefers the sound of a damped Topre switch over the sound of a standard Topre switch. I wasn't sure that I liked it at first, but after using the damped version for a few weeks, I now prefer using my HHKB with the silencing rings installed.

Most silencers keep the switch in a actuated state. When compressed, that initial bump at the very top of the topre switch gets taken away when the silencing pads are to thick. I bought a set to try it out on my RF.
Do you know if these can be ironed at all if they are to thick?

[Hypersphere]

The materials in these rings are very different from the EK pads. I would not recommend trying to iron the silencing rings.

[Bromono]

The materials in these rings are very different from the EK pads. I would not recommend trying to iron the silencing rings.

Got it. Well thanks for doing this. I have tried a lot of different ways but either the clack is still kinda there or it takes away from the tactility of the switch. If these feel like what I am hoping they feel like I'll probably buy a set for my HHKB

[Dreamre]

Import charges really kills it for buyers in Canada.

[GL1TCH3D]

If anyone in Canada wants a set I can bring it up in october. Family is visiting the USA and these are tiny so it would be easy to bring back from the trip.

As for the rings themselves. Why didn't you try a group buy?

I imagine if there was a large enough order the price per unit could have been decreased significantly.

[atectatifern]

@atectatifern: Please let us know how the rings work out for you on a Novatouch . . .

I got them today and stayed up way too late putting them on. The difference is night and day. I made recordings with my phone (sorry) and will post them when I've had some sleep and get some time (I hope tomorrow).

The diameter of the rings for the non-stabilzed key sliders is perfect. Not so tight they're hard to get on but not so loose they fall off when putting the sliders back on. For the stabilized keys, the sliders are a little smaller so the rings are a tiny bit loose but still do the trick as far as I'm concerned.

The spacebar sounds really jarring now (I only put rings on the sliders; I didn't lube or try to do anything with the other parts of the stabilized keys) but the rest of the keys are very quiet. I haven't noticed any difference in key travel.

Also, a shout out to Jetski (not sure if here on GH) for posting his instructions for NT disassembly/reassembly. Although his instructions are for the EK landing pads, his narrative and pictures gave me much more confidence in the process. They're here: http://imgur.com/a/6sg9f.

Thanks for making these available--there is no way I would have ironed the EK pads!

[Hypersphere]

Glad the rings worked well for you.

Regarding the spacebar, I silenced mine by doing three things. First, I installed a silencing ring on the switch. Second, I lubed the switch and stabilizers. Third, I installed small squares cut from "Do-it" brand foam strips (1/2 x 2-3/8 inches) that I purchased from a Carpenter Brothers hardware store (USA) on top of the rubber stops for the spacebar on the top side of the case. Now the spacebar makes an agreeable "thunk" instead of an annoying "click-clack".

[iamtootallforthis]

Really want to pick some up, but the cost is making the decision a tough one.

[Blackhawk]

Really want to pick some up, but the cost is making the decision a tough one.

I would love to try them out as well, however the price + shipping and import taxes to Europe is a real killer.

[iamtootallforthis]

Really want to pick some up, but the cost is making the decision a tough one.

I would love to try them out as well, however the price + shipping and import taxes to Europe is a real killer.

Well I may be coming to Denmark this winter to visit friends in Copenhagen. So I could always bring them with me, but that would be a while.

[Blackhawk]

Really want to pick some up, but the cost is making the decision a tough one.

I would love to try them out as well, however the price + shipping and import taxes to Europe is a real killer.

Well I may be coming to Denmark this winter to visit friends in Copenhagen. So I could always bring them with me, but that would be a while.

Oh wow, what a small world. That is very kind of you to offer, I might consider it. Let me know if you choose to place an order.

[iamtootallforthis]

Really want to pick some up, but the cost is making the decision a tough one.

I would love to try them out as well, however the price + shipping and import taxes to Europe is a real killer.

Well I may be coming to Denmark this winter to visit friends in Copenhagen. So I could always bring them with me, but that would be a while.

Oh wow, what a small world. That is very kind of you to offer, I might consider it. Let me know if you choose to place an order.

I probably will place an order. I am looking into getting a RF 55g soon so I want them for that.

[Dreamre]

Is there a way of having the import fees removed entirely? I'm sure that would entice a lot more people purchasing these...

[Air tree]

You should give a thought about doing a group buy for these. It could possibly lower the price, so it might be more alluring to some..

At the moment the price is a bit much for me...

I'm pretty sure it would garner a good few orders if the price was right...

[SpAmRaY]

You should give a thought about doing a group buy for these. It could possibly lower the price, so it might be more alluring to some..

At the moment the price is a bit much for me...

I'm pretty sure it would garner a good few orders if the price was right...

This so much. I want these but for my full size realforce boards its like paying for half of another keyboard.

[atectatifern]

Here are Dropbox links to before and after audio files (.ogg) from my Novatouch with Hack'd by Geeks SA:

Before: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/109708757/Novatouch_before_silencing.ogg
After: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/109708757/Novatouch_after_silencing.ogg

[GL1TCH3D]

Is there a way of having the import fees removed entirely? I'm sure that would entice a lot more people purchasing these...

As a postal clerk, he would need to ship them as a gift valued at under $50 CDN to be guaranteed of no charges.

Considering the exchange rate, that's about $37 USD.

Otherwise like I mentioned before, I'll be in the USA in october if you want me to bring you back a pack.

[Hypersphere]

For those who might be interested, I have posted some audio and waveforms for assorted keyboards over on DT. The comparisons include a stock HHKB vs a 45g and 55g HHKB with silencing rings. Here is the link:

http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/audio-and-waveforms-of-assorted-keyboards-t11269.html

[deci]

Hey just wanted to post here that I grabbed a set of these and put them on my HHKB.

It shortens the travel of the switch slightly still but it's definitely less than dental bands or ironed soft landing pads (unless you cut the pads perfectly which takes forever).

I have modded my HHKB with dental bands and ironed landing pads in the past and removed them afterword (even though i loved the sound) due to the reduced travel.
These rings however will be staying on there as it's just close enough to the original feel for me.

Hypershpere I was actually talking so some chinese company about mass producing something very similar to this as well, you just saved me a lot of time
If you do another run of these I'll probably grab another set to mod a TKL. 

TLDR: These are really good and highly recommended!
 

[Hypersphere]

Hey just wanted to post here that I grabbed a set of these and put them on my HHKB.

It shortens the travel of the switch slightly still but it's definitely less than dental bands or ironed soft landing pads (unless you cut the pads perfectly which takes forever).

I have modded my HHKB with dental bands and ironed landing pads in the past and removed them afterword (even though i loved the sound) due to the reduced travel.
These rings however will be staying on there as it's just close enough to the original feel for me.

Hypershpere I was actually talking so some chinese company about mass producing something very similar to this as well, you just saved me a lot of time
If you do another run of these I'll probably grab another set to mod a TKL. 

TLDR: These are really good and highly recommended!

Glad the rings worked out well for you.

There should be no reduction in key travel on the downstroke.

All the rings from the first production run have now been sold. There seems to be continuing interest, so I will be setting up for another batch. I might run an interest check first. Because I started this over on Deskthority (DT), I will probably do the IC over there as well to keep things as simple as possible.

[iamtootallforthis]

Hey just wanted to post here that I grabbed a set of these and put them on my HHKB.

It shortens the travel of the switch slightly still but it's definitely less than dental bands or ironed soft landing pads (unless you cut the pads perfectly which takes forever).

I have modded my HHKB with dental bands and ironed landing pads in the past and removed them afterword (even though i loved the sound) due to the reduced travel.
These rings however will be staying on there as it's just close enough to the original feel for me.

Hypershpere I was actually talking so some chinese company about mass producing something very similar to this as well, you just saved me a lot of time
If you do another run of these I'll probably grab another set to mod a TKL. 

TLDR: These are really good and highly recommended!

Glad the rings worked out well for you.

There should be no reduction in key travel on the downstroke.

All the rings from the first production run have now been sold. There seems to be continuing interest, so I will be setting up for another batch. I might run an interest check first. Because I started this over on Deskthority (DT), I will probably do the IC over there as well to keep things as simple as possible.

Please try to do a group buy. I know a greater amount of people would buy for a lesser price. I know I would be in if the price was cheaper. I would also but significantly more.

[Air tree]

Hey just wanted to post here that I grabbed a set of these and put them on my HHKB.

It shortens the travel of the switch slightly still but it's definitely less than dental bands or ironed soft landing pads (unless you cut the pads perfectly which takes forever).

I have modded my HHKB with dental bands and ironed landing pads in the past and removed them afterword (even though i loved the sound) due to the reduced travel.
These rings however will be staying on there as it's just close enough to the original feel for me.

Hypershpere I was actually talking so some chinese company about mass producing something very similar to this as well, you just saved me a lot of time
If you do another run of these I'll probably grab another set to mod a TKL. 

TLDR: These are really good and highly recommended!

Glad the rings worked out well for you.

There should be no reduction in key travel on the downstroke.

All the rings from the first production run have now been sold. There seems to be continuing interest, so I will be setting up for another batch. I might run an interest check first. Because I started this over on Deskthority (DT), I will probably do the IC over there as well to keep things as simple as possible.

Please try to do a group buy. I know a greater amount of people would buy for a lesser price. I know I would be in if the price was cheaper. I would also but significantly more.

+1

This is the big thing for me, the price. I would probably buy close to 250, if the price was lower.

[Bromono]

I used them in my real force. They do slightly impede the travel of the switch. I find it to be on par with the thinnest dental bands. (My hhkb has really thin dental bands) I feel like these silent the switch better then dental bands though. I for some reason didn't like them on the real force 55g and am to lazy to remove the dental bands off my hhkb to put them on there. I really love the feel of the 55g with no impedance of the actuation. But I do like the feeling of it on my hhkb. Possibly down the road I'll find motivation to try them on the hhkb....

[korrelate]

these are the only things keeping the pos that is the novatoch out of my local f****i*g landfill.

with these on the stems the board goes from completely unusable to quite nice.

YMMV but IMHO no kbd in excess of 80 bucks should sound like you're rummaging throug a box of legos when you're using it (nor should it sound like a steel f***i*g drum from Jamaica either, Diatec, you pretenders).

[Hypersphere]

Several people have been asking about the price for the silencing rings.

Although there are some economies of scale, the costs of premium materials and precision laser cutting are high. For example, if only 100 rings were made at a time, the cost per ring would be $1.95. I haven't tried to calculate my own R&D costs, but I spent a considerable amount of time trying out a number of different materials and cutting methods, which also involved costs for acquiring cutting tools.

Another way of looking at it is the cost of buying a standard versus silenced keyboard. Silent RF keyboards are no longer available, at least in the USA. The cost differential for a Type-S vs standard HHKB is currently $84 or $1.40 per key (based on current sale prices). For non-sale prices the differential is $88 or about $1.46 per key.

Of course, the price differential of a Type-S vs standard HHKB includes the installation costs of the rings, whereas a DIY silencing requires the end-user to install the rings himself. Even if this were to cut the cost in half, this would work out to 70 to 73 cents per ring.

I have already searched long and hard for the best material and cutting method for silencing rings for Topre switches, and I would not want to compromise quality by trying to use a cheaper material or cutting method.

Other costs include the cut that eBay takes. I've discussed the situation with my wife, who is handling the eBay sales, and despite the drawbacks of eBay, unfortunately neither she nor I has the time to use alternative sales and distribution methods.

With these considerations in mind, I regret it is probably not going to be possible to reduce costs of the rings themselves. This leaves import taxes and shipping as the other contributions to the cost for the end-user. I have thought of mechanisms such as a Group Buy or using a proxy, but unfortunately I would not have the time to organize and implement these methods.

For the second batch of rings, I will try my best to cut costs without compromising quality, but I anticipate that it will not be possible to reduce the cost by much if at all.

It will take some time to produce the next batch of silencing rings, but I will post an update when they are ready.

Thanks to all for your understanding, patience, and support!

[jiexi]

@atectatifern: Please let us know how the rings work out for you on a Novatouch . . .

I got them today and stayed up way too late putting them on. The difference is night and day. I made recordings with my phone (sorry) and will post them when I've had some sleep and get some time (I hope tomorrow).

The diameter of the rings for the non-stabilzed key sliders is perfect. Not so tight they're hard to get on but not so loose they fall off when putting the sliders back on. For the stabilized keys, the sliders are a little smaller so the rings are a tiny bit loose but still do the trick as far as I'm concerned.

The spacebar sounds really jarring now (I only put rings on the sliders; I didn't lube or try to do anything with the other parts of the stabilized keys) but the rest of the keys are very quiet. I haven't noticed any difference in key travel.

Also, a shout out to Jetski (not sure if here on GH) for posting his instructions for NT disassembly/reassembly. Although his instructions are for the EK landing pads, his narrative and pictures gave me much more confidence in the process. They're here: http://imgur.com/a/6sg9f.

Thanks for making these available--there is no way I would have ironed the EK pads!

Hi, you are very much welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

[Hypersphere]

Update: The first round of silencing rings has sold out. I've ordered materials for a second round. It might take a few weeks for the rings to be ready, but I will announce here when they are available again.

[GL1TCH3D]

I imagine a company would have been able to reduce costs a lot more than you buying your own equipment and materials.

That's why people are questioning the price. A lot of people are in the market to silence their Topre boards and would have easily been in for these if they were a lot cheaper. I wouldn't be surprised if a group buy broke 1000+ units for less than $0.40 each. Of course I don't know what a company would charge to make these or how many would be required to bring the price down enough.

[korrelate]

I appreciate your work here hypersphere... that's why i jumped on this... they are pricey but the result is totally worth it. heck, i had already spent a fair amount of time searching for materials and i already tried a couple of different kinds of punch so when i first saw you had cracked this nut i was all ears. at first I balked at the price but after thinking about how much time and money i had already spent - without results -- i did the math and realized that by just buying your i was going to come out ahead.

and your results are pretty damn good i must say. many thanks!

[Hypersphere]

Glad to know of the abiding interest in the Silencing Rings. I trust that people will understand that to get this right, it required quite a lot of research, development, and testing, all of which comes at a cost in addition to the price of materials and production. Things are getting very busy with the impeding start of the new academic year and some travel, but I am aiming to have a new batch of rings available by mid-September. In any event, I will post here when the next round of rings is ready.

[raymogi]

Watching this topic so I don't miss out on the next round. Need that end game HHKB

[Hypersphere]

UPDATE:

I am pleased to report that I was able to complete "Round 2" of the Silencing Rings ahead of schedule.

Moreover, due to increased production efficiency and economies of scale, I am able to reduce prices by 20%.

The new listings have been posted on eBay.

[GL1TCH3D]

UPDATE:

I am pleased to report that I was able to complete "Round 2" of the Silencing Rings ahead of schedule.

Moreover, due to increased production efficiency and economies of scale, I am able to reduce prices by 20%.

The new listings have been posted on eBay.

Great to hear!

I'll probably pick up a set at these prices later on

[dutC4]

 

[septamber]

Got some of these for my HHKB. Just installed them. Highly recommended 

[GL1TCH3D]

Has anyone had any deterioration of these ?

Asking mostly the people from the first batch

[TrptJim]

Been using these for a couple of days now. They're doing a great job silencing the upstroke. I can now use my HHKB in class!

Also, tell Mrs. Hypersphere that I really appreciate her making a new listing of 26 rings for my Realforce 23UB numpad.

Thanks you two!

[jiexi]

I'm still very curios how effective these are. Does anyone who has used these silencing rings also have a board with the landing pad silencing mod? Thoughts on both?

[raymogi]

I'm still very curios how effective these are. Does anyone who has used these silencing rings also have a board with the landing pad silencing mod? Thoughts on both?

I don't have a board with the landing pad, but I do have a HHKB Type-S and I can say that these rings produces almost the same sound and silencing effect.

[GL1TCH3D]

I'm still very curios how effective these are. Does anyone who has used these silencing rings also have a board with the landing pad silencing mod? Thoughts on both?

I don't have a board with the landing pad, but I do have a HHKB Type-S and I can say that these rings produces almost the same sound and silencing effect.

Ray do you have any extras I could buy? =P

Would love to test these out before dropping almost $100 on these

[raymogi]

I'm still very curios how effective these are. Does anyone who has used these silencing rings also have a board with the landing pad silencing mod? Thoughts on both?

I don't have a board with the landing pad, but I do have a HHKB Type-S and I can say that these rings produces almost the same sound and silencing effect.

Ray do you have any extras I could buy? =P

Would love to test these out before dropping almost $100 on these

Unfortunately I don't bro. Sorry..

I bought 2x 107 from Hypersphere. Used 60+87 already and need to do another 60 for my other HHKB xD

[GL1TCH3D]

I'm still very curios how effective these are. Does anyone who has used these silencing rings also have a board with the landing pad silencing mod? Thoughts on both?

I don't have a board with the landing pad, but I do have a HHKB Type-S and I can say that these rings produces almost the same sound and silencing effect.

Ray do you have any extras I could buy? =P

Would love to test these out before dropping almost $100 on these

Unfortunately I don't bro. Sorry..

I bought 2x 107 from Hypersphere. Used 60+87 already and need to do another 60 for my other HHKB xD

Im pretty sure i want these but want to test it first since it's a fairly expensive invrstment

Not sure if I'm going to mod everything to 55g domes

[tofgerl]

Why are these so much more expensive than the MX ones? Not enough demand?

[suicidal_orange]

Why are these so much more expensive than the MX ones? Not enough demand?

There is no MX equivalent of these.

On MX switches you use rubber o-rings to cushion the key-press, but these pads are made to go inside a Topre switch to cushion the sliders on the way back up.  They are bigger (a standard o-ring would probably fit inside them) and custom made in small batches so the price is much higher.

[tofgerl]

They're tiny rubber rings. Whether they cushion the upwards journey of the cap, or the downward journey, there _is_ an MX equivalent of these. Don't be pedantic.

[Hypersphere]

The Silencing Rings are not made of rubber and they are flat rather than donut-shaped. They have a two-ply design consisting of a resilient microcellular polymer foam bonded to a firm backing layer. They are considerably thinner than the O-rings used to cushion the down-stroke of Cherry mx switches. The Silencing Rings are designed to be used only inside Topre switches (and not on the keycap stem) to damp the sound of the return-stroke. The materials used to make the Topre-switch Silencing Rings are more expensive than the synthetic rubber used to make mx O-rings, and the fabrication and cutting methods are more expensive as well. The Topre-switch Silencing Rings are also designed to have no noticeable effect on key travel or the feel of the Topre switch.

If there is a Cherry mx equivalent, I would be interested in learning about it. The closest thing I have seen first-hand is the Matias "Quiet Click" switch, which uses rubber inserts inside the switch to damp both the down-stroke and the return-stroke.

I think that the down-stroke damping in the Matias Quiet Click switch might be similar to the "trampoline mod" for Cherry mx switches:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50632.0

[korrelate]

They're tiny rubber rings. Whether they cushion the upwards journey of the cap, or the downward journey, there _is_ an MX equivalent of these. Don't be pedantic.

Okay, I'll bite: could you please post a pic and/or a link to the MX equivalent that you are talking about?

[andCoffee]

I have a Novatouch with SA Retro and was curious if these help with the rattle I get just from running my fingers across the keys without actuating them? That stem rattle from just resting my hands on the keys is the only bad part about the keyboard.

Thanks.

[Hypersphere]

I have a Novatouch with SA Retro and was curious if these help with the rattle I get just from running my fingers across the keys without actuating them? That stem rattle from just resting my hands on the keys is the only bad part about the keyboard.

Thanks.

My Novatouch currently has Ducky PBT OEM profile keycaps and internal silencing rings, and the keys do not rattle. However, I have not yet tried SA profile keycaps on the Novatouch or any other keyboard.

[andCoffee]

I installed the rings yesterday and they've made a fantastic difference on my NovaTouch.  It really is night and day.  I wasn't expecting anything this dramatic at all.  I do wish the kit with enough rings for a Novatouch came with the materials to silence the spacebar, though. 

I read the tutorial about putting mat under the spacebar, but I'm a bit confused on where that should actually go, and what product to buy.  Does anyone have an amazon link for what I should be ordering, and maybe a photo of how it should be installed?

[Hypersphere]

I've found that the spacebar sounds are highly dependent on the specific spacebar that one uses. I've had the best results on the Novatouch with the white (cream) spacebar from the Ducky cream and green PBT set in OEM profile.

Regarding pads under the spacebar, here is a pic of a HHKB Pro 2 with the spacebar removed:



Notice the two circular black pads on each side of the spacebar switch. This is where I put extra pieces of self-adhesive rubber foam (the same sort of material that is used for anti-skid pads on the bottom of keyboard cases). However, on the Novatouch, you would need to use thicker foam or several layers of the ~1 mm foam, because the Novatouch does not already have the pads like those on the HHKB Pro 2.

[korrelate]

FWIW, all I had to do to get my Novatouch's spacebar sounding great was to lube it. I did it when I had the board apart while i was installing the rings. gpl 205 alone. i didn't even touch the center stem: just the stabilizers's stems and i did not clean off the lube that was already there. this was just as night and day as the silencing rings.

you can now buy very small tubes of krytox on amazon (the smallest one is smaller than a travel tube of toothpaste and would probably be sufficient for every key on 50 keyboards).

[andCoffee]

Thanks guys.  If I can get this spacebar to sound like the rest of the keys, these rings turned my NT into an endgame board for me.

[GL1TCH3D]

Just as a note I'll be opening my offer for this december for Canadians.

I also got a few of the rings from a really awesome guy :3

Going to test them out this weekend

[exela]

Just ordered a set to use with the fc660c.  I'll post back with my results.

I've done the silent landing pad mod with my novatouch and I really do appreciate the sound it now has.  The amount of time needed to iron pads and making sure they fit just right on the sliders was the most time consuming and annoying part of the mod.  But in the end, the thock was worth it.  There's just something with that thock.

Is it me or are the rubber domes in the dye-sub fc660c have a little more resistance/oomph when compared to the Novatouch?

[dutC4]

 

[andCoffee]

I tried using a couple types of foam and felt to silence the spacebar, but I had a hard time removing the sound without reducing the travel too much.  Gonna have to hope the lube works.

[exela]

Just ordered a set to use with the fc660c.  I'll post back with my results.

I've done the silent landing pad mod with my novatouch and I really do appreciate the sound it now has.  The amount of time needed to iron pads and making sure they fit just right on the sliders was the most time consuming and annoying part of the mod.  But in the end, the thock was worth it.  There's just something with that thock.

Is it me or are the rubber domes in the dye-sub fc660c have a little more resistance/oomph when compared to the Novatouch?

yes, definitely more force than either of my novatouches and many others have noticed as well

also, I love the results on my fc660c I just wish I ordered enough to try and hack some more onto the stabilized keys. If you strike stabilized keys anywhere near the edges it's almost as loud as before and really loud in contrast with how silent the rest of the keys are after you do this mod.

Definitely, I appreciate the feedback a lot more on the leopold than the novatouch.  It makes me almost want to harvest the sliders and put it on the leopold.  But that'll be much further down the line.  Right now I'm definitely enjoying the white leo

As for the sounds on the stabilized keys, if that's the case, I might just look into using ironed down silencing pads for the stabilized keys instead.  I still have some extras lying around.  I'm curious if using a 3x1 strip might do the trick and cutting it down to size.

Anyone have any tips for opening up the leo or should it be as straightforward as the novatouch?

[exela]

the silencing rings came in and i have finally installed them.

In terms of sound, they are definitely dampened.  They sound very similar to using the ironed-down landing pads.  I actually used landing pads on the stabilizer keys in order to cover a little more surface area.  I still get a return clack when using the backspace but that's simply because the key is so large.  For the most part, the sound is consistent.

The price while a little higher is well worth not having to spend the amount of time needed to iron down landing pads and fiddling around the sliders to make sure they fit.  Great job on these rings!  Long live the thock!

[Hypersphere]

Good to know that the rings seem to be working out well on a variety of Topre-switch keyboards.

Regarding opening cases, by far the easiest ones are the HHKB Pro 2 and the RF87U. In contrast, it seems that CM doesn't want people to open the case on a Novatouch. This makes me appreciate the HHKB and RF boards all the more -- no hidden screws, no seals to break, no violation of warranty just by opening the case.

Just remember -- on the RF87U, don't install a silencing ring on the Left Ctrl (far left key on the bottom row). This switch is designed differently from any other on the board. A silencing ring won't work properly on just this one key; furthermore, it will cause the key to jam.

[chigro]

I'm another happy NovaTouch + Hypersphere silencing ring user

For disassembly, I followed this guide: http://imgur.com/gallery/iGzCV

I also lubed the stabilizers using this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/permatex-ultra-slick-multi-purpose-synthetic-grease-85-g-0280813p.html Canadian friendly

[jerue]

Hmm, haven't left my 2 cents on these. I got some Hypersphere rings after buying a Digilog/45g Realforce from someone. I did not like these on the 45g Realforce (not lubed), but after lubing and silencing my 55g Digilog RF I can't go back. These things are quite awesome, and really work well with 55g switches, though I think lubing sliders also has a big effect on these. Hypersphere rings are much better than EK landing pads for sure. Now I have the quietest keyboard in the office, even quieter than the rubber domes my coworkers use

I'm another happy NovaTouch + Hypersphere silencing ring user

For disassembly, I followed this guide: http://imgur.com/gallery/iGzCV

I also lubed the stabilizers using this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/permatex-ultra-slick-multi-purpose-synthetic-grease-85-g-0280813p.html Canadian friendly

Interesting choice for lube, and a lot of it...how do you like it? I used Geekhackers V3 on my sliders (with an extremely light coat) and had good results. I know Bro Caps recommends Du Pont Teflon as an all around, just didn't want to pay $15 for a 4oz bottle (this is also quite a lot).

bad quote

[Hypersphere]

UPDATE:

The rings are just about sold out. However, I have decided to produce a third batch relatively soon. If all goes according to plan, they should be ready by around mid-January (2016). As before, they will be available on eBay at "katesattic2".

[ccc24]

Put these on my hhkb couple days ago they work great and easy to install

[chigro]

...

Interesting choice for lube, and a lot of it...how do you like it? I used Geekhackers V3 on my sliders (with an extremely light coat) and had good results. I know Bro Caps recommends Du Pont Teflon as an all around, just didn't want to pay $15 for a 4oz bottle (this is also quite a lot).

...

I like it.  I think it's the equivalent to SuperLube, and it also has the same NLGI grade.  It's thick, translucent, and as far as I can tell, plastic-safe.  I couldn't find the other recommended lubes;  the bike shops in my area didn't carry the DuPont Teflon / Finish Line Fluro lubes, nor did I want to order online and pay essentially double the price when shipping is included.

As for the quantity, I think it's a plus.  I've also lubed a few squeaky door hinges around the house 

[Latin00032]

@atectatifern: Please let us know how the rings work out for you on a Novatouch. I have tested the rings on an RF87U and a HHKB Pro 2, but all I have done with the Novatouch is determine that the rings will fit on the switch stem. I think the switches for the modifiers might be a different design in the NT from those in the RF or HH, so that the rings might not work for the modifier switches in the NT as they do in the RF or HH.

For my HHKB, I used a single ring for the modifiers and spacebar, and this seems to work fine. I also lubed the modifiers and spacebar switches. In addition, I added some small squares of self-adhesive foam strips on top of the rubberized contact points under the HHKB spacebar.

Where do we get these foam strips? Do they come with these rings?

[jiexi]

the silencing rings came in and i have finally installed them.

In terms of sound, they are definitely dampened.  They sound very similar to using the ironed-down landing pads.  I actually used landing pads on the stabilizer keys in order to cover a little more surface area.  I still get a return clack when using the backspace but that's simply because the key is so large.  For the most part, the sound is consistent.

The price while a little higher is well worth not having to spend the amount of time needed to iron down landing pads and fiddling around the sliders to make sure they fit.  Great job on these rings!  Long live the thock!

Would you say that the silencing ring sounds more/less/same dampened vs the landing pad mod? I'm trying to decide if i want to buy a set of rings for my novatouch and replace my landing pads with these. It took ages to get those landing pads ironed out and put on correctly.

[Hypersphere]

@Dolch: No, the foam strips do not come with the rings. I get mine at a local hardware store. They appear to be the same type of material that is used as non-skid pads on the underside of keyboards. I cut squares of the material and apply them to the top of the case on each side of the central spacebar switch to act as a shock absorber for the spacebar. The foam strip thing is a completely optional extra treatment; I haven't done a thorough assessment of its effectiveness. The same with lubing the stabilizers -- I do this when I install rings in my keyboards, but I haven't done an objective study to determine the extent to which this helps with suppressing stabilizer rattle. However, I can say that the rings alone make a major difference in quieting Topre switches, especially on the Novatouch, but I have installed them on my RF87U and HHKB Pro 2 as well, and I really like the results on all of my Topre-switch keyboards.

[slushi]

@Dolch: No, the foam strips do not come with the rings. I get mine at a local hardware store. They appear to be the same type of material that is used as non-skid pads on the underside of keyboards. I cut squares of the material and apply them to the top of the case on each side of the central spacebar switch to act as a shock absorber for the spacebar. The foam strip thing is a completely optional extra treatment; I haven't done a thorough assessment of its effectiveness. The same with lubing the stabilizers -- I do this when I install rings in my keyboards, but I haven't done an objective study to determine the extent to which this helps with suppressing stabilizer rattle. However, I can say that the rings alone make a major difference in quieting Topre switches, especially on the Novatouch, but I have installed them on my RF87U and HHKB Pro 2 as well, and I really like the results on all of my Topre-switch keyboards.

I was about to buy one of your sets on ebay yesterday. I hesitated and it looked like all of them sold out

Do you have an example of the foam strips you used? I am using the soft landing pads for now until you stock more of your rings. Also, which lube are you using for the sliders? I put on some of that GH thick lube from Zeal but would love to see what you are doing.

[Hypersphere]

@slushi: Yes, we have temporarily sold out of the silencing rings. However, I am tooling up for a new batch, which I anticipate will be ready by around mid-January. They will again be available at "katesattic2" on eBay.

Regarding the foam strips, i use something similar to this item on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Hardware-9980-Surface-Adhesive/dp/B003B4TMOM/ref=sr_1_4?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1447955500&sr=1-4&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3334266011%2C2802967011

I cut the strips into squares and apply them under the spacebar. However, there are a variety of materials that would work as well or better. These foam strips are okay on the HHKB Pro 2 because of the extra height from the built-in spacebar bumpers. However, for the Novatouch, you will need more height. You could use more layers of the foam strips or get a thicker material from a hardware store. I think there are some thicker foam tapes that should work well. I have not researched the spacebar bumpers thoroughly. In contrast, I have researched the silencing rings thoroughly.

[slushi]

thanks for the reply! i read the original post so I have already made a mental note on when to check for more stock

[Bromono]

@slushi: Yes, we have temporarily sold out of the silencing rings. However, I am tooling up for a new batch, which I anticipate will be ready by around mid-January. They will again be available at "katesattic2" on eBay.

Regarding the foam strips, i use something similar to this item on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Hardware-9980-Surface-Adhesive/dp/B003B4TMOM/ref=sr_1_4?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1447955500&sr=1-4&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3334266011%2C2802967011
(Attachment Link)
I cut the strips into squares and apply them under the spacebar. However, there are a variety of materials that would work as well or better. These foam strips are okay on the HHKB Pro 2 because of the extra height from the built-in spacebar bumpers. However, for the Novatouch, you will need more height. You could use more layers of the foam strips or get a thicker material from a hardware store. I think there are some thicker foam tapes that should work well. I have not researched the spacebar bumpers thoroughly. In contrast, I have researched the silencing rings thoroughly.

I think I got the last batch for my HHKB =P

any how, those pads. how well would they work for the RealForce. Is it the same deal as the novatouch?

[Hypersphere]

Yes, as I recall, if you want to add some shock absorbing pads under the spacebar, the RF87U and Novatouch would be similar. If the shock pads are to work, they would have to have enough thickness to reach the underside of the spacebar when it is pressed down.

[Latin00032]

Yes, as I recall, if you want to add some shock absorbing pads under the spacebar, the RF87U and Novatouch would be similar. If the shock pads are to work, they would have to have enough thickness to reach the underside of the spacebar when it is pressed down.

Is there aa video or some pictures I can see where I can add the absorbing pads?

And, how thick are these pads compared to the standard hhkb type-s silencing pads? I think I read that the hhkb is 2mm thick while these are 1mm thick. Is this true?

[linuxhermit]

Can't wait for these to get back in stock. I need some for my 87U and FC660C

[O(logn)]

Can't wait for these to get back in stock. I need some for my 87U and FC660C

I second that!

[Hypersphere]

Yes, as I recall, if you want to add some shock absorbing pads under the spacebar, the RF87U and Novatouch would be similar. If the shock pads are to work, they would have to have enough thickness to reach the underside of the spacebar when it is pressed down.

Is there aa video or some pictures I can see where I can add the absorbing pads?

And, how thick are these pads compared to the standard hhkb type-s silencing pads? I think I read that the hhkb is 2mm thick while these are 1mm thick. Is this true?

Please scroll up to see my posts with some details. There is a pic of a HHKB with the spacebar removed -- you can see where the shock absorbers are. I use approximately the same placement on other Topre-switch keyboards. The foam strips are about 1 mm thick, so that at least two layers would be needed on anything but a HHKB. I have not yet experimented much with techniques for spacebar shock absorbers -- it is likely that there is a better way than using the foam strips. When I can find some time, I will look into this more carefully and post if I discover a better method.

[Hypersphere]

UPDATE: ROUND 3: The Hypersphere Silencing Rings are availlable again via "katesattic2" on eBay. If you go to eBay and type "Silencing Rings" in the search box, this should get you there.

In addition, for a limited time (from Dec 21 2015 until early January 2016, for those who live in the UK or EU, "Muirium" is serving as a proxy; you could contact him directly. Muirium is on DT.

[dgneo]

UPDATE: ROUND 3: The Hypersphere Silencing Rings are availlable again via "katesattic2" on eBay. If you go to eBay and type "Silencing Rings" in the search box, this should get you there.

In addition, for a limited time (from Dec 21 2015 until early January 2016, for those who live in the UK or EU, "Muirium" is serving as a proxy; you could contact him directly.

Yessssssssssssssssssss! Just purchased my set, can't wait to get these badboys!

[raymogi]

Stock up while they're still available boys!

[graefeln]

I went in for a set as well...

[mason]

Just put in an order 

[dgneo]

Just put in an order 

[MrRooks]

Just put in an order for these myself as well.

[cryptokey]

Here's a sound comparison of the novatouch with and without damping rings (really good).  I just put in an order as well.  The damped one is at the end:

[romevi]

Is this something that will be in continual stock? Just wondering if I should order sooner than later.

[Hypersphere]

This is Round 3 for the Silencing Rings. As I near the end of the current batch, I will re-evaluate the projected demand and decide if there will be a Round 4.

[RinSama269]

First post
Just installed them and with thick lubed on my HHKB, which is now dead silent compare to my V60mini Mx Clears...
Should I install them on my fc660c? I don't know. Time and thock will tell...Thanks Hypershere for making these rings available.

[ImAWildDeer]

I installed these last weekend and they are fantastic. The classic "Thock" is still there with none of the "click". I'll be lubing the slider rails this weekend, but even with the factory lube, they are noticeably quieter.

[phoible]

I just installed these on my Novatouch. It went from pretty loud to significantly quieter than my v80 with Matias Quiet Clicks.

It is really amazing how much quieter it is now.

The other great thing about these rings is that they don't significantly reduce key travel. Totally worth the money.

[deduction]

I installed these a couple weeks ago and they're fantastic.  I prefer the sound and keystroke feel of the hypersphere silenced HHKB over my Type-S.

[Hypersphere]

I installed these a couple weeks ago and they're fantastic.  I prefer the sound and keystroke feel of the hypersphere silenced HHKB over my Type-S.

Same here! But it is good to hear this from others!

[PekingGoose]

Please tell me this is coming back! I hesitated an missed out on the rings last week.

[Hypersphere]

@PekingGoose: Yes, the Silencing Rings will be coming back. Another round should be ready within a week or two. We are also changing the name of the eBay site to "Hypersphere2016". Thanks.

[GL1TCH3D]

Still not willing to deal off ebay?

The ebay fees are so expensive that I imagine if you sold them offsite and discounted it 10% it would still be more profitable no?

[Auryon]

Are you selling these still? Checked ebay and nothing

[rwarwarwa]

I really expect new round 

[Hypersphere]

@rwarwarwa and @Auryon: I've encountered a delay because the raw materials for the rings are on back order. We will get them made and back up for sale as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest and patience.

[vivalarevolución]

@rwarwarwa and @Auryon: I've encountered a delay because the raw materials for the rings are on back order. We will get them made and back up for sale as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest and patience.

I was wondering about these.  Thanks for the update, glad to know there still are plans to sell more.

[Hypersphere]

NOTICE: The Hypersphere Rings (Silencing Rings) are available once more! They are now up for sale on eBay at "hypersphere2016". This was previously "katesattic2".

[infiniti]

On a personal note...I bought some of these in February for my HHKB.  It has reduced the sound of the upstroke clacking when the slider hits the inside top of the case.  The key travel was reduced ever so slightly but it was not very noticeable.  Shamefully, I previously tried using dental bands and o-rings but they reduced the key travel so much, the HHKB felt gross to type on.

Now I have no more regrets not having bought a Type-S to begin with.

[Auryon]

NOTICE: The Hypersphere Rings (Silencing Rings) are available once more! They are now up for sale on eBay at "hypersphere2016". This was previously "katesattic2".

Bought 63 for my HHKB. Thanks for the update 

[alexjd99]

Looks like mine are coming today! I guess I'll have myself a bit of a project to work on )

[iLLucionist]

how do you actually apply those silencing rings?

[alexjd99]

These are great! Just threw them on, the board sounds amazing now, and I have my wonderful thocky thock now  )

how do you actually apply those silencing rings?

You just take the plungers out of the board and slide them over the plunger, similarly to how you would apply the landing pads, just without all the preparation.

[cryptokey]

Ebay link doesn't appear to be working.

[iLLucionist]

These are great! Just threw them on, the board sounds amazing now, and I have my wonderful thocky thock now  )

how do you actually apply those silencing rings?

You just take the plungers out of the board and slide them over the plunger, similarly to how you would apply the landing pads, just without all the preparation.

Thanks, great to know!

Any idea where I can order them?

[alexjd99]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

[iLLucionist]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

[alexjd99]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

As far as I know all the rings being sold are the same, just different quantities. If you're asking about different silencing methods for Topre, I'd say this is the best compared to ironed landing pads and dental bands, since these don't have any effect on key travel since they're so thin, and it sounds just like a Type-S

[iLLucionist]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

As far as I know all the rings being sold are the same, just different quantities. If you're asking about different silencing methods for Topre, I'd say this is the best compared to ironed landing pads and dental bands, since these don't have any effect on key travel since they're so thin, and it sounds just like a Type-S

Nice! Time to order and do the mod then. Curious how it sounds (or the lack of it for that matter).

[alexjd99]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

As far as I know all the rings being sold are the same, just different quantities. If you're asking about different silencing methods for Topre, I'd say this is the best compared to ironed landing pads and dental bands, since these don't have any effect on key travel since they're so thin, and it sounds just like a Type-S

Nice! Time to order and do the mod then. Curious how it sounds (or the lack of it for that matter).

Sounds identical to the Type-S. It's great. Here's a typing test of a type-s for reference

[iLLucionist]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

As far as I know all the rings being sold are the same, just different quantities. If you're asking about different silencing methods for Topre, I'd say this is the best compared to ironed landing pads and dental bands, since these don't have any effect on key travel since they're so thin, and it sounds just like a Type-S

Nice! Time to order and do the mod then. Curious how it sounds (or the lack of it for that matter).

Sounds identical to the Type-S. It's great. Here's a typing test of a type-s for reference

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

[alexjd99]

Ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252352381408

Is their a difference in rings (like o-rings for cherry) or all they all the same?

Is their something I should look out for?

As far as I know all the rings being sold are the same, just different quantities. If you're asking about different silencing methods for Topre, I'd say this is the best compared to ironed landing pads and dental bands, since these don't have any effect on key travel since they're so thin, and it sounds just like a Type-S

Nice! Time to order and do the mod then. Curious how it sounds (or the lack of it for that matter).

Sounds identical to the Type-S. It's great. Here's a typing test of a type-s for reference

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

The space bar always bottoms out on the rubber pads on the HHKB, as seen here

[iLLucionist]

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

The space bar always bottoms out on the rubber pads on the HHKB, as seen here

Show Image

Would it be possible to silence the spacebar somehow? That's the only thing that is missing. I'll probably gonna try it myself. First I need to get me a spare HHKB / 87U.

[alexjd99]

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

The space bar always bottoms out on the rubber pads on the HHKB, as seen here

Show Image

Would it be possible to silence the spacebar somehow? That's the only thing that is missing. I'll probably gonna try it myself. First I need to get me a spare HHKB / 87U.

I'd bet if you removed those little things that hold the rubber pads for the bar it would be just like any of the other keys. Other than that I don't know how you would do it

[iLLucionist]

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

The space bar always bottoms out on the rubber pads on the HHKB, as seen here

Show Image

Would it be possible to silence the spacebar somehow? That's the only thing that is missing. I'll probably gonna try it myself. First I need to get me a spare HHKB / 87U.

I'd bet if you removed those little things that hold the rubber pads for the bar it would be just like any of the other keys. Other than that I don't know how you would do it

I thought those rubber pads ABSORBED that noise. But apparently not then. I have the idea that perhaps sometimes the spacebar goes over the pads and still hit the plate, thus causing the noise. I have already removed the little spring under the spacebar, but that didn't help really.

[alexjd99]

Sounds really nice!

Only... why is that spacebar SO LOUD?

The space bar always bottoms out on the rubber pads on the HHKB, as seen here

Show Image

Would it be possible to silence the spacebar somehow? That's the only thing that is missing. I'll probably gonna try it myself. First I need to get me a spare HHKB / 87U.

I'd bet if you removed those little things that hold the rubber pads for the bar it would be just like any of the other keys. Other than that I don't know how you would do it

I thought those rubber pads ABSORBED that noise. But apparently not then. I have the idea that perhaps sometimes the spacebar goes over the pads and still hit the plate, thus causing the noise. I have already removed the little spring under the spacebar, but that didn't help really.

I wouldn't imagine that it silences it, since the space bar doesn't really differ from other keys. And the sound from topre comes from the plunger hitting the plate, so they couldn't be preventing that.

I might give it a try later, now I'm curious if it will make a difference to remove those

[cryptokey]

I didn't have any foam on hand, so I used this soft rubbery plastic from fabric scent samples I had.  Here's a quick video of the result with the ghetto pad / hypersphere silencing rings.  I noticed a miniscule difference in sound, but mainly a softer bottom out without a noticeable loss of travel.  Please excuse my 1337 filming.

Not a valid vimeo URL

[Hypersphere]

To help silence the spacebar, in addition to installing a Silencing Ring on the center switch, I lube the stabilizer and switch rails with Superlube 51010 oil and apply extra pads under the space bar. Although the HHKB already has spacebar shock absorbers, I add squares of self-adhesive rubber (like the anti-skid strips on the underside of keyboards) on top of the shock absorbers. For RF and NT boards, I use thicker rubber so that it makes contact with the underside of the spacebar. It can also help to put some rubber foam strips inside the spacebar to deaden its sound, but don't overdo it and make the spacebar too heavy or this will affect the return stroke.

[Reiniku]

Is there a chance of another round of these rings dropping?  I'm a new Novatouch owner and would be very interested.

[Hypersphere]

My wife handles all the transactions for Rings and other keyboard-related items. She is currently traveling, and so all the listings have been temporarily suspended. The listings should be up again sometime next week.