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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: ddrfraser1 on Sat, 20 March 2021, 14:36:31

Title: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: ddrfraser1 on Sat, 20 March 2021, 14:36:31

Hola folks. I'm on a mission to make the worlds quietest mechanical keyboard for my brother in law who is an audio engineer. I'd like to replicate the dampening mat used for the HHKB.

http://www.smartimports.net/hhkb-hg-embossed-vibration-absorption-mat/

I got this adhesive neoprene one off amazon but I heard silicon is better suited.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FMWGJ6J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd like it to be something with an adhesive back. I'd rather not glue it. Also, has to fit under a full size. 12x12 won't do it.

Recommendations?

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 20 March 2021, 14:40:47

I always heard that sorbothane was the gold standard.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbothane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbothane)

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: ddrfraser1 on Sat, 20 March 2021, 18:48:05

Nice. Looks promising. Having a hard time finding any that fits the bill tho :/

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: ju6ju8Oo on Sat, 20 March 2021, 21:54:40

Silicone adhesive tape is expensive though

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 20 March 2021, 22:08:22

Sorbothane works but it's typically not used on such large quantity, it's usually for small feet and such, which isn't surprising considering the cost.

If I was using a keyboard in a studio environment and concerned with it being heard I'd start with a something other than a (not quite) mechanical keyboard.

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: ddrfraser1 on Sun, 21 March 2021, 03:38:03

Well I may do some testing with my neoprene mat for now and see if that is satisfactory. Worst case I can always stick to 12 x 12‘s together and cut them to size if I do end up going with silicone.

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 21 March 2021, 04:13:28

You could also look at kits for lining the interior of PC cases with sound-damping foam. That foam is often self-adhesive, but not intended to be pressed though - only to block sound waves in air from reverberating in a metal chassis.

Title: Re: In Search of Sound Dampening Mat Material
Post by: ddrfraser1 on Wed, 31 March 2021, 10:13:57

Here's the build log and the direction I ended up going in.

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/worlds-quietest-mechanical-keyboard/13656?u=ddrfraser1