3d printed silencing pads for SP SA and DSA profile keys

[MajorKoos]

I've 3d printed a bunch of silencing pads for my SA profile keys.
They're 0.9mm thick and made from Ninjatek Semi-flex (Shore Hardness = 98A).

I've tested them on both DSA and SA R3 profile keys
The difference is remarkable, and you can double them up for almost complete silence.
I wish I had some Ninjaflex to test with (Shore Hardness = 85A) as I expect the results will be even better.
If anyone is willing to test please let me know how it works out.

The design is super simple - a 14.5mm * 14.5mm * 0.9mm cube with a 5.5mm hole in the middle.
I then set the slicer (S3D) to:
 - single perimeter
 - 0.15mm layers
 - 0 top or bottom layers
 - 50% grid infill


I've published the STL file to my repo:
https://github.com/MajorKoos/KBDParts/tree/master/Keycaps/Silencers

[kolec94]

this is interesting i would i never though of 3d printing a silencer (i think 3d printing i think abs or pla) is their any advantage over a foam by using ninja flex?

[MajorKoos]

I think the principal would remain the same regardless of what one uses.
It just needs to be rigid enough to stay put. 
I think a square of stiff felt with a hole punched in the center would do the same job.

As for the filaments, they're used for printing shock absorbers and tires for RC cars, so pretty much ideal for the task at hand.
The nice thing about using a 3d printer is I can control the density of the infill to achieve different levels of shock absorption for a specific thickness.
Having holes in the silencer also helps let some light through if you're using LEDs.

[davkol]

I thought 98A was very hard (red/blue WASD o-rings were 40A/50A), unless I've missed something. It should make the travel shorter anyway, which might be the primary selling point for some people, though.

Regardless, it's an interesting idea and it might be possible to print out something like Hypersphere's dampeners, that deal with the upstroke.

[MajorKoos]

I agree on the hardness - 98A is rather hard.
If I'd printed it solid it would have been way too much, but as it is it's 1mm thick and 50% thin air.
Also, these get all the way into the corners whilst O-rings do not.
I think it's a combination of the two which is doing the trick.

I did some unscientific testing using some SP DSA caps with 3mm O-rings.
These sound just as quiet and there is a lot less reduction in key travel.

I could definitely print some of those Topre dampening rings (I did the EK silencing pad mod on mine a while back though).
I've already successfully printed washers/seals as thin as 0.1mm from semi-flex.
I'd love to find something similar which silences the upstroke on cherry switches, so any hints would be appreciated.

[davkol]

The only upstroke silencing of MX switches—to my knowledge—is the Oobly's latex mod (i.e., a layer of latex milk in the switch cover)… then there are (or rather: will be) Uniqey's or ZealPC's replacement switch covers; QMX Clips are only for PCB mount though, and Zealencios have GB deadline in autumn… and then there's Cherry MX Silent with damping on the slider, but it has limited availability.

[wodan]

What a great idea! Never tried the flexible filament and completely forgot about it.

The possibilities!
Wonder if you can print Topre dampening rings with this. Thickness of 0.2mm shouldn't be an issue - technically. I have never tried this filament, ordered some though

[MajorKoos]

What a great idea! Never tried the flexible filament and completely forgot about it.

The possibilities!
Wonder if you can print Topre dampening rings with this. Thickness of 0.2mm shouldn't be an issue - technically. I have never tried this filament, ordered some though

Yeah, most printers print 0.1mm layers, so definitely possible.
Did you opt for the softer Ninjaflex?

[wodan]

I could potentially go down to 0.03mm but I never tried that. I fear that my biggest problem will be getting those rings off the build plate.

Ordered some of the "fullflex" filament. Should be here tomorrow

[rowdy]

I thought I'd replied to this thread - did something happen to the GH database?

Anyway, this is a great idea!  It's a wonder that no-one thought of it before.

Any plans for a GB?  Or at least a few small sales if people without suitable printers are interested?

[MajorKoos]

I thought I'd replied to this thread - did something happen to the GH database?

Anyway, this is a great idea!  It's a wonder that no-one thought of it before.

Any plans for a GB?  Or at least a few small sales if people without suitable printers are interested?

You did reply - I cross posed here as it's the better place to discuss this stuff.

I was thinking about the GB thing yesterday as well and wondering if anyone would be interested.
I should probably stick up some before and after recordings to showcase the things first.