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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kelvinhall05 on Wed, 25 December 2019, 18:55:51

Title: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
Post by: kelvinhall05 on Wed, 25 December 2019, 18:55:51

The two keyboards are a Dell AT101 that I've swapped white Alps into. It also has fairly thick double-shot ABS keycaps from a Lite-on SK-2002. The other keyboard is a Focus FK-9000. It's all stock.

I've attached a sound file that has both keyboards typing. The first one I type on is the Dell, the second is the Focus, and I alternate between the two in the audio clip. The difference is a bit less obvious in the recording than it is in person. Hopefully someone can help me out here as I'm kind of confused and am not a huge fan of the sound of the Focus. And yes, they are genuine Alps, not clones. And they're pretty damn clean, too.

Title: Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
Post by: rxc92 on Thu, 26 December 2019, 12:14:33

Isn’t it obvious? Keycaps are different and make a huge difference, as does plate material, case material, and construction.

Title: Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 26 December 2019, 12:34:58

TL;DR

The Dell case is much more sturdy that the Focus. Check the original Dell key caps and consider using them if they are the PBT variant.

Title: Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
Post by: envyy24 on Fri, 27 December 2019, 16:51:24

Well the switches are not the sole contributer to the typing sound.